Jasper Graham-Jones

Jasper is an experienced mechanical and marine engineering academic with over three decades in higher and further education. He is a former Associate Professor in Mechanical and Marine Engineering at the University of Plymouth. He has taught and led programmes across manufacturing, marine and sustainability-focused engineering, and has supported degree apprenticeships and local skills development. After many years working with industry and universities in the South and South West, he settled in Looe, where the blend of maritime heritage, community spirit and coastal environment matches his passions for sailing and kayaking.

He served as a Looe Harbour Commissioner for nine years before becoming a councillor. He has also volunteered as an RNLI lifeboat crew member (Hayling Island and Looe) and as an HM Coastguard rope technician for 25 years.

Professionally, Jasper has authored over 85 publications and secured significant project funding, often centred on practical problem-solving—manufacturing, welding, composites, failure analysis, the circular economy and low-impact making—working in 24 countries with 66 organisations. He brings this hands-on, evidence-based approach to council work, believing that clear data, collaborative working and kindness deliver better results for residents and local businesses.

Jasper cares deeply about enabling young people and career-changers to thrive in Cornwall through training, apprenticeships and good local jobs; about supporting Looe’s small businesses and festivals; and about protecting the town’s marine and river environment while keeping the working harbour at the heart of community life. He is particularly interested in safe active travel, resilient infrastructure and practical sustainability suited to Looe’s geography.

He says: “It’s a privilege to serve the people of Looe. My aim is to listen carefully, work openly with partners, and help deliver straightforward, affordable improvements that make daily life easier—while safeguarding the harbour, coastline and character we all love.”