Cllr Stewart Luck

A Debden resident for over 40 years, Stewart is a district and parish councillor. At UDC he serves on the scrutiny and governance committees, and is topic lead for aviation. He’s a qualified Jumbo pilot and STEM ambassador, and an active organiser of community activities, events and volunteering programmes.

“ I believe that you get back what you put in. I’m dedicated both to Debden & Wimbish villages and helping the next generation develop the skills and confidence they need to be successful.” Stewart Luck

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Stewart is committed to Debden village and the local area having lived there for about 40 years. He has organised Debden fetes, barn dances and other events. He served as a councillor in his 40s and again now that he has retired for the last 6 years. He’s both a Debden parish and a district councillor. At UDC he serves on the scrutiny and governance committees, and is topic lead for aviation.

Stewart is a keen member of the Royal British Legion and until 2018 was a local Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Coordinator. In 2018 he trained as a Standard Bearer and represented Debden on the Royal British Legion GP90 pilgrimage march to Ypres and the WW1 battlefields.

He has spent a career in aviation. Stewart remains a qualified flying instructor, air display organiser, display pilot, training captain, and Jumbo Jet pilot. With this expertise and local knowledge, he served on Stansted Airport Consultative Group with a particular interest in dealing with aircraft noise and overflight issues for the surrounding villages. This experience makes him the ideal candidate to support Council brief for Uttlesford’s biggest employer, Stansted Airport.

Stewart is particularly supportive of youth and education initiatives, where he seeks to combine his passion for flying with developing life skills in the next generation.  He started out as a member of the Air Cadets, an organisation for which Stewart says he has a high regard. He is a past chairman of 1824 Sqdn (Saffron Walden) ATC and past leader of Debden Youth Club and supports Scouts weekend aviation camps.

As an Executive Committee Member of the Light Aircraft Association Stewart championed flying for younger members. In 2003 he invented and sponsored the first UK Youth Build-a- Plane Project, which is now sponsored by Boeing and The Royal Aeronautical Society. On the back of Stewart’s initial endeavours over 30 kit planes have been built and/or flown by young people.

Stewart also volunteers as a STEM Ambassador visiting schools in Essex to inspire young people about life & career options, and has been a member of the General Aviation All Party Parliamentary Group for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

In his spare time Stewart enjoys family life, playing badminton, sailing & boating, flying in light aircraft and driving classic cars.

 

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    Cllr Petrina Lees

    A proven champion of her community and local causes, Petrina Lees previously served on the Elsenham Parish Council for 17 years, including 3 as chair; enjoyed a 30 year career in nursing; and has been part of the leadership team of Save Our Villages for 9 years. Petrina stood for district council as an Independent in 2015 and was elected as an R4U councillor for the Uttlesford District Elsenham and Henham ward in 2017. She is the first female Leader of Uttlesford District Council, where she is leading R4U’s programme of improvement at the authority.

    “I’m passionate about fairness and regularly jump in to volunteer to create a better community. I don’t seek an easy life – I’m not afraid to challenge the norm, roll up my sleeves and get things done. People who know me know I work tirelessly for local residents and their causes and will have seen that since I was elected I have done so.” Petrina Lees

     

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    Petrina Lees is a very active member of her community. She has lived in Elsenham for over 20 years with her husband, and their family. She cooks for the Lunch Club, runs the Elsenham Rainbow Guides and manages the village rounders team.

    She is also well qualified as a councillor. She served on Elsenham parish council for 17 years including 3 years as chair. Petrina has been part of the leadership team of Save Our Villages for 9 years, helping secure last year’s planning rejection of ‘Hellsenham’ by the Secretary of State. She is also a member of the Joint Parishes Council Steering Group.

    Outside of the home she enjoyed a career in nursing of more than 30 years, most recently caring for the terminally ill, but left the NHS a couple of years ago to concentrate on her family and community activities.

    Petrina stood as an Independent in 2015 and was elected as an R4U councillor for the Uttlesford District Elsenham and Henham ward in 2017.

    Petrina said “The first thing we addressed after being elected was the appalling state of the road outside the local shops in Elsenham.  For over 15 years there have been numerous complaints. As Parish Councillors we were always told by District Councillors that they were ‘unable to help or fix it because it was the responsibility of the county council’. That’s as may be, but it is shirking and rubbish, and that attitude holds no truck with me. People don’t care what council you are elected to. As a district councillors part of your job is to advocate for local people and hold those responsible to account, even at other authorities. Within 6 months of being elected we facilitated and contributed to the road being resurfaced. My motto is ‘never give up’ – there is always a way, you just have to think outside the box sometimes.”

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      Cllr Bianca Donald

      Bianca has taught in Uttlesford schools since 2004 and knows many local parents. As an Elsenham parish councillor, she serves on the New Village Hall and playground refurbishment committees. She’s an avid grassroots sports participant, previously netball and now rounders. She was elected to Uttlesford District Council in 2023.

      “In over 20 years teaching, I have taught many of the children in the local area. Our councils need to work hard to provide facilities and jobs to keep young people here or attract them back when they start work.” – Bianca Donald

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      Bianca cares about our next generation. She has taught in Uttlesford schools since 2004 both in Stansted and Hatfield Broad Oak. During Covid she has been providing online tutoring in mathematics. She understands parents’ frustration as education budgets have been slashed and school choice eradicated by Essex County Council.

      “In over 20 years teaching, I have taught many Stansted area children. I’ve seen how for decades the government’s education strategy has been failing our youth and community. We need a strong voice for Uttlesford youth issues.” – Bianca Donald

      Bianca coaches grassroots women’s sports. For several years she served on the committee of the Bishops Stortford District Netball League. She currently plays for, manages and coaches a local team. She loves the countryside and feels we must be ‘careful custodians of our environment’ and feels through R4U she can make Uttlesford a place that cares for its residents, local environment and businesses.

      She is a parish and district councillor.

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        Cllr Mike Tayler

        Mike is a well-known and respected GP from the Thaxted Practice who delivered healthcare to the residents of surrounding villages from 1986 until he recently retired. He became a district councillor in 2019. He is a strong supporter of environmental causes and protecting our rural villages and countryside.

        “I am proud be a councillor for R4U because it respects local residents and delivers positive, practical change without the constraints of Westminster political control.” Dr Mike Tayler

        WardAbout/BioContact

        Dr Mike is a well-known and respected GP from the Thaxted Practice who delivered healthcare to the residents of surrounding villages from 1986 until he recently retired. He is a strong supporter of environmental causes and protecting our rural villages and countryside. He became a district councillor in 2019 and sits on the Standards and Licensing Committees.

        Mike says:

        I have worked as a rural GP based in Thaxted for more than 30 years. I feel privileged to have got to know many local residents and where they live. I wish to work to preserve the tranquillity and biodiversity of our communities, but know, to be sustained, that they must be supported with such things as improved facilities, broadband, and local services.

        I am proud be a councillor for R4U because it respects local residents and delivers positive, practical change without the constraints of Westminster political control.

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          Cllr Martin Foley

          Community champion and Thaxted resident Martin is one of Uttlesford’s longest serving and most respected district councillors. He is also an Essex County Councillor for the Thaxted Division. He’s represented his ward at UDC since 1995. He’s an active local voice who campaigns for our environment, and against airport expansion, urban sprawl on our fields, and the closing of the local libraries.

          “R4U has made solid progress at UDC since being elected to lead the council in 2019. They have fixed the finances, got the Conservatives’ £6m failed Local Plan back on track, and are delivering a major Climate Change programme. As part of R4U, I am helping UDC steer the future of our district, as well as for that Thaxted and Eastons ward residents.” Martin Foley

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          Residents champion Martin is one of Uttlesford’s longest serving and most respected councillors. He’s represented the Thaxted and now Thaxted and the Eastons ward at UDC since 1995. He’s a strong and active local voice who campaigns for our environment, and against airport expansion, urban sprawl on our fields, and the closing of the local libraries.

          Martin lives in Thaxted with his wife Claire.

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            Cllr Richard Porch

            Successful businessman Richard has chaired a number of companies during his career and provided consulting services to other organisations. He is an experienced councillor and mayor with a long history of active involvement with a number of charities. He has lived in Saffron Walden for 20+ years with his family.

            “I’m concerned about the failure of the current UDC administration to hold developers accountable for their community responsibilities and the negative effect this has on our infrastructure, local facilities, and council taxes.” Richard Porch

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            Richard has lived in Saffron Walden for 20+ years and has 4 children and 7 grandchildren living in Uttlesford. He has chaired a number of construction businesses during his career as well as operating as a consultant to other organisations. He has a long history of active involvement with various charities both Chairing and Trusteeship, in the UK and overseas.

            He has provided management support to Residents for Uttlesford since its foundation. Richard is concerned about the failure of the current administration to hold developers accountable for their community responsibilities and the effect this has on the both infrastructure and local facilities as well as poor business decision making that affects the cost that we all incur through our rates.

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              Cllr Arthur Coote

              Arthur Coote is a well-respected Saffron Walden councillor. He was born in the town where he lives with his wife. He’s a director of the Bell Nursery and active in many other aspects of town life.

              “I’m a strong believer that councils can work harder to do more to create an environment that allows the next generation to grow and give back to society. Through its actions R4U has shown it focuses on the issues that matter and cares about making a difference for local people. After years of being actively engaged with Labour, I joined R4U because they’ve shown that they are the party willing to work collaboratively for local people.” Arthur Coote

              Several councillors have switched to R4U from the traditional parties because being free of a national agenda allows them to focus 100% on local residents with local issues.  Nationally Arthur is a long time Labour Party supporter. He was elected as a councillor to Saffron Walden Town Council in 2015 and to Uttlesford District Council in 2019. He was mayor of Saffron Walden for the 2019/2020 year.

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              Arthur Coote is a well-respected councillor for Saffron Walden. He was born in the town where he lives with his wife. Arthur is active in many aspects of town life including the Baptist Church. Key interest areas for him are community, equality, youth development and sports.

              He’s is a family man who is committed to youth development. Arthur is a director and manager of the Bell Nursery in Saffron Walden and member of the charity Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY). Two of his children have followed him into education as both are head-teachers, and the third has followed a career in law.

              Arthur is a lifelong member of Essex Cricket Club and a strong advocate for sports and healthy lifestyles. He’s been active in the funding and design of new playgrounds by Saffron Walden Town Council, and been working to provide more open spaces and sports facilities.

              Nationally and locally Arthur has been a long-time supporter of the Labour Party. He was elected as a councillor to Saffron Walden Town Council in 2015 and serves as Mayor for the 2019/2020 year. Like a number of councillors from all the main national parties, he joined R4U in 2019 to create a difference locally.

              Arthur Coote says “Over the last 50 years I have taken part in hundreds of campaigns for Labour candidates. I have stood for office to try to create a more equal society and have been a member of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party. Over the last 4 years it’s become clear that the best way to represent local residents and uphold the ideals I stand for at the district council is by joining R4U. R4U has shown they care about the community’s future and want to create a positive difference for local people. They’ve proven that they are the only party that has the skills and support to deliver for local people. In my mind it’s simple: I will continue to vote for Labour on national issues, but am standing for R4U to deliver local things for local residents. I urge others to vote local Resident for local matters.”

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                Cllr Patrick Lavelle

                Patrick is an experienced R4U councillor in Great Dunmow. As Mayor of Great Dunmow Patrick was focused on rebuilding the community following the disruption caused by the COVID lockdowns and promoting Great Dunmow as a great place to live, work and enjoy yourself.

                “Residents need strong representation to ensure that their views and heard and acted on. One of the biggest concerns in the area is new housing. Along with new housing we need to protect the environment and include the necessary infrastructure and recreational facilities to support the needs of both current and future residents.” Patrick Lavelle

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                Patrick Lavelle took early retirement after a successful 35 year career in the pharmaceutical industry. His career in the pharma sector gives him a unique perspective into one of our region’s most important industries.

                Other areas that interest Patrick are policing and reducing crime, and the issues related to large new housing developments in the area.

                As a councillor he works to ensure that new housing proposals are properly scrutinised and development controlled to benefit residents. He believes that it is important to make sure that due consideration is given to the impact on the environment, on the local services (schools, medical facilities and recreational facilities) as well as supporting infrastructure including not just vehicular access but also public transport, cycling and walking access.

                Patrick lives in the ward he represents.

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                  Cllr Geof Driscoll

                  Geof has lived in Uttlesford for 20+ years. After a 30 year career in senior management in road-haulage, he is now vice-chair of Uttlesford District Council, where he also sits on the scrutiny, governance, and audit committees, highways panel, and housing board.

                  “I believe that we should always fight for local residents. I feel that there is a correct balance between protecting our heritage and investing in the future for the youth of our district. I strongly believe that we, the residents of Uttlesford, have a right to control local issues not be told by national parties “this is what will be good for you.” Geof Driscoll

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                  Where do you live?

                  I have lived in Birchanger for the last 22+ years with my wife Angie.

                  Do you have any councillor or political experience?

                  I served on the Birchanger Parish Council for eight years in the early 2000s until work responsibilities altered my available hours. I am now retired and have been an Uttlesford District Councillor since 2019. I an currently vice-chair of Uttlesford District Council, as I also sit on the scrutiny, governance, and audit committees, highways panel, and housing board.

                  Any work details that you may want to highlight that add to your experience?

                  In addition to 12 years as a local councillor, I am a qualified transport manager, with over 30 years of international experience including divisional management for a blue-chip multinational organisation. I have operated my own transport consultancy (compliance and training) since 2009 and am an avid supporter of Road Safety.

                  Do you participate in community or residents’ groups, boards, or charities?

                  I was Birchanger’s local Poppy Appeal organiser for 15 years raising approximately £50,000 for ex-servicemen and women. I currently sit on the Birchanger Sports and Social Club committee, as well as on the Freight Transport Association Easton Region Council.

                  Why did you stand for Residents for Uttlesford?

                  As residents of Uttlesford, national issues and local issues rarely carry the same weight in our daily lives. Of course, everyone has the right to vote for which person/party they wish, but only locally focused parties can deliver specific local democracy. By providing real, transparent leadership R4U, at a local level is representing our local interests.

                  By reorganising the way UDC is structured, and by using the best skills and tools available, R4U has been able to deliver higher levels of services. But we need four more years to deliver on our programme of improvement at UDC. Let’s all make sure we make the most of where we love to live – together.

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                    Cllr John Evans

                    John has lived in Stebbing for 30 years. He’s a strong advocate for residents having a stronger say in what happens locally. He’s used his position as a district councillor and UDC portfolio holder for Planning and Infrastructure, the Local Plan, and Stansted Airport to do just that. Outside of the council, he’s a solicitor and interested in heritage and our rural landscape. He previous served a chair of the successful Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan.

                    “Whilst the fear of the Conservatives’ West-of-Braintree new town has receded since R4U was elected, we must remain active and vigilant to protect our rural life from over-development – and residents must always have a say in what happens.” John Evans

                    WardAbout/BioContact

                    John has lived in Stebbing for 30 years, and prior to that 10 years in Hatfield Heath, so is very familiar with and supportive of both Ward and District interests. He has served as UDC Cabinet Member for Planning, the Local Plan, Stansted Airport and Infrastructure while appointed also to a number of external bodies. He was privileged to chair the Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, whose Plan was passed successfully last Summer. As Cabinet Member, he has been a strong advocate for neighbourhood planning and spoken widely in the community in support. He is particularly interested in heritage and landscape matters and serves as Vice Chair of Stebbing Local History Society. He is a Solicitor and also sits as an Arbitrator.

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