Jo Waltham was voted in as the new Town Councillor for East Ward at the full Town Council Meeting on Monday September 7. Jo replaces Cllr Edward Northeast who resigned earlier this year.
Jo and her family moved to Marlborough in 2013. She is an IT professional who runs her own small business. She believes that her experience as a wife and mother connects her to the community, to schools and care services as a user and a volunteer.
Jo was the local Liberal Democrat candidate in the last election and thus gained experience of canvassing opinion and listening.
She has regularly attended Town Council meetings. “Over time I have come to understand what the Town Council does and have gained a deep respect for the role Town Councillors fulfil.
I have enjoyed the discussions, particularly when a councillor brings a different viewpoint to the debate, which makes me stop to think. It is clear that no one councillor can understand or represent the needs of everyone and that having councillors with different backgrounds helps the council make the best decisions.
There have been times when I’ve had to sit on my hands to stop myself contributing to the debate when I’ve felt that an important point has been overlooked. This is why I wish to be a councillor. I have something to contribute – a different viewpoint that may help – and I want to give back to the community that has made me feel so welcome.”
Jo’s appointment is for 8 months. During that time she would like to speak up for children with special educational needs, support businesses at a time of crisis and promote a greener Marlborough.
Marlborough College resumes full on-site operation for the first time since lockdown
