Archive for: Councillors

Stephen was elected Deputy Mayor in May 2023 and then Mayor in May 2025.  He had been a frequent visitor to friends living in Looe since the mid-1970s before he retired to live permanently here in 2018. His career included fourteen years as CEO of Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and twenty leading the national charity Action for Blind People.

During his time in the visual impairment sector he worked to bring together charities with common purpose. He strongly believes that organisations that cooperate and communicate will always achieve more than those that don’t. All the same, he recognises that every organisation has its own valued heritage and each runs its business differently.

Stephen sees tremendous assets and opportunities in Looe – its fascinating history, the sea and the fishing industry, the woods, the rivers, the unique array of local shops, pubs and restaurants, its festivals and events, its visitors and above all its own local people.

He says: “I am honoured and thrilled to have been co-opted to Looe Town Council. The wealth of experience among the existing Councillors is awesome and I only hope that, in time, I can make a useful contribution”.

Simon has been a Town Councillor since October 2019 and is currently the Chair of the Finance Committee. Simon is also Vice –Chair of the Services and Asset Management Committee and a member of the Staffing and Policy and Strategy Committees  Simon is also a member of the Neighbourhood Plan and Millpool Steering Groups. Recently he also led the running of the Covid-19 volunteer group. Outside of the Council Simon is Chair of the Looe Environmental Group and is a Director of Looe Saves the Day charity which organises the Looe annual music festival. Simon is married with three grown sons and together with his wife runs a Bed and Breakfast in Looe.

Simon is a qualified accountant and had over 30 years in general management with a number of fast growing international businesses and was involved with a number of management buyouts. He is committed to supporting the town of Looe to thrive and prosper so that local people directly benefit from this with better quality housing for all, and good quality jobs that are secure and fairly paid. 

James has been a councillor since 2017, is currently co-chair of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) Steering Group and is chair of the planning committee. He has led on the response to recent changes to Government planning rules and has championed the policies in the Looe NDP following the gathering of evidence and town wide consultations. Looe Neighbourhood Plan has now been fully adopted by the people of Looe at the referendum in May 2022 after 7 years of hard work from the steering group.

James was involved in working with the architect and contractor to oversee the development of Looe’s library building, he also designed and worked closely with the sign makers to produce the library signage. James has a BA degree in Architectural and Spatial design studying at Plymouth College of Art and Design. Professionally he produces planning design and access statement and material specifications as a freelance architectural design consultant, working mainly in London along with managing family property in Cornwall and West Sussex. James has been associated with Looe since 1997. His Interests include walking, architecture and conservation,  using his expertise in landscape architecture to shape the family woodland to ensure the area is preserved and protected for future generations.

James is a National Planning Portal delegate and attends and engages in annual conferences . Areas covered were :

• Planning and Building
• The digital future of Planning
• Climate Emergency
• Community Engagement
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• Presentation from Robert Jenerick MP – Secretary of State for Housing 2019 to 2021

James is also a member of the Liskeard and Looe Community Network Panel as a representative for Looe Town Council which gives the opportunity to engage with other councils within this part of South East Cornwall .

My family and I have lived in Looe for over 8 years and are making this our long-term home.

I have worked with many government-like organisations, including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, one of the largest London boroughs, and all Blue Light services across the UK. I have also worked in many large private sector businesses, typically managing annual budgets of £5-10m and delivering large IT and business change programmes.

I now want to use my knowledge and skills to help Looe Town Council continue to improve the value for money of services provided to local taxpayers and visitors to our town. I also want to allow LTC to continue supporting improving life and the environment in Looe.

I feel it is important to seek opinions and be available to listen to the community’s comments and needs so that LTC can strive to deliver the services the community needs.