What I stand for
(Community Councils are non politcal)
My aims
Jedburgh is too often overlooked — and that needs to change. The views and experiences of our community deserve to be heard by the agencies that make decisions about our town. That’s the core purpose of any Community Council: to ensure Jedburgh’s voice is represented, respected, and impossible to ignore.
I want to help make sure Jedburgh has that voice — to see our town recognised, listened to, and given the attention it deserves. When Jedburgh gets the focus it needs, everyone who lives, works, and plays here benefits.
Improve communication so residents know what the Council is doing and how to get involved
Make sure Jedburgh’s concerns are clearly represented to Scottish Borders Council and other agencies
Contribute practical expertise to discussions on reopening and sustaining Jedburgh Swimming Pool
Protect essential local services such as the Town Hall, street lighting, and road maintenance
Work constructively with local groups, schools, businesses, and community organisations
Bring experience in governance, listening, and representation from previous national‑level roles
Keep decisions focused on what benefits the people of Jedburgh
And we must challenge and try to reverse recent decisions by SBC or mitigate the switching off of the Abbey lighting as well as SBC ending the supply of Jedburgh’s Christmas Tree — our Memory Tree, which means far more to this town than just a christmas decoration.
Generally
Jedburgh is feeling the strain of budget cuts, and it’s our essential services that are taking the hit. This is a moment where the town needs clear, informed voices speaking up — consistently and confidently — on your behalf, to protect the things that keep Jedburgh thriving.
From the future of our swimming baths, to how our town hall is used, to the wider work of retaining and revitalising anything at risk of being lost — and even everyday issues like potholes — these are the things that shape daily life. They deserve proper attention, and they deserve to be raised by people elected to speak for you.
I’d be honoured to represent the community, make your voice heard, and help ensure the needs of everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Jedburgh are properly recognised.
If you’d like to support me, you can do so next Thursday. Your backing means a great deal.
What I can bring
I was fortunate enough to hold my dream job a few years ago as Deputy President of the Open University Students’ Association. Representing and listening to a community of around 200,000 students across the UK, Ireland, Europe and worldwide taught me how to properly listen — not just nod along. Whether face‑to‑face, online or by email, I learned how to take concerns, turn them into action, and make sure people felt genuinely heard.
II’ve served on the Community Council before, back in the pre‑pandemic days with Rory Stewart — when I was still known as Mark Walker (a story for another day!). I looked after the website and social media, and I’ve always believed that good communication is essential. Not just sending information out, but making sure people can speak back and feel heard. Working well with other groups, even when we don’t all agree, is part of building a healthy community.
Alongside this, I’ve been a Trustee of several charities, mainly connected to the Open University. These roles have given me a strong foundation in governance, finance, and practical problem‑solving — skills I can bring to every organisation I serve.
My skills cloud
created from my recent CV
