Councillors Richard Ormerod, David Freeman, Carole Lattin, Rob Hanson & Helen Weston

Liberal Democrat Councillors for Elvet, Crossgate, Highgate, Sidegate, St Nicholas and Gilesgate Bank Learn more

The Lib Dem Team for Durham

by Elvet & Gilesgate Lib Dems on 1 May, 2018

Judith Atkinson, Richard Ormerod, Mandy Ross, Sam MacLeod & David Freeman

There are 6 Liberal Democrats standing for the City of Durham Parish Council for Elvet & Gilesgate ward on 3 May:

Judith Atkinson
Hello, I’m Judith. I live in Gilesgate Close in Durham City centre.
I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2015 as I was impressed by the exemplary service delivered by the local Lib Dem team.
I care passionately about the environment, both locally and globally. We need to create a better world for future generations.
In 2012 I retired following my career in Adult Education, which I enjoyed thoroughly as I am a real people-person! My qualifications in counselling, and my experiences meeting people from a diverse range of backgrounds, would stand me in good stead to represent the local area. I previously served as Vice-Chairman of Dunelm U3A, a local organisation set up to promote learning for pleasure and interests.
I regularly attend St Oswald’s Church in Elvet.
In my spare time I like nothing better than being with my three grandchildren, and I value my family enormously.

David Freeman
I have lived in Durham all my life and work in the city centre as a Civil Servant at the Passport Office, where I am also a trade union representative.
I have been the area’s councillor for 15 years. During that time I have worked with our local communities and residents associations to improve our green spaces, play areas, streets and city centre to make Durham a better place to live.
I am very involved in planning issues, trying to get better developments and opposing the many poor applications. I have campaigned for years for stronger planning policies to protect our city.
There is much more to do to make Durham City better. Our new Durham City parish council will, l hope, be a strong voice for Durham City. It will need to challenge and hold to account our Labour-run county council on the poor decisions it consistently makes and to challenge Durham University on its grandiose plans for Durham City.

Sam MacLeod
Hi, I’m Sam. I’m a 19 year-old student reading Economics at Durham University.
I came up from Sheffield a year and a half ago and now live on Orchard Drive in The Sands.
I’m a passionate Liberal Democrat, involved in running the university’s liberal society and in helping out various local party groups across the North East.
I’m a hard-working, community-minded individual, and think I could bring a unique perspective to the city’s new parish council.
I would like to encourage more students to get involved in the local community and help maintain and improve our unique city.
Outside of studies, I’m an avid chess player, a black belt in jujitsu, and a coffee connoisseur.
I work part-time in The Market Tavern in Durham City centre, please say hi if you see me there!

Richard Ormerod
I moved to Durham from Burnley in Lancashire in 1996, and liked it so much I’ve stayed ever since!
I’m married to Amanda and we have two children who attend Durham Johnston and St Margaret’s schools. We live in Durham City. I am a vegetarian and support all law-abiding animal welfare groups.
My “day job” is in Northallerton, in home-to-school transport. I previously worked in the telecommunications, printing and music industries.
I have been a county councillor for the Elvet & Gilesgate division since 2013 and before that was a parish councillor. With David Freeman I have worked hard to get improvements to our area, especially to the play areas and the historic city centre.
I am keen to protect our historic city, whilst ensuring that it has a vibrant future. I am particularly keen to assist local small businesses wherever I can.

Mandy Ross
I was born in Amble, Northumberland and I came to Durham as a student in 1983.
Following graduation, I began my teaching career at Durham Gilesgate Comprehensive and later taught the very first lesson at the “new” Durham Sixth Form College!
My son, also a Durham graduate, was raised here, and I have enjoyed more than thirty years living in this special place. I now live on Ferens Park in The Sands.
I have recently retired from teaching and I am hoping to maintain an active role working hard in the local community.
In my spare time I am a member of the Durham Walkers Group and Clayport Film Club. In addition, I am currently studying Norwegian at the University.
I am eager to protect the unique beauty of our city, encouraging thoughtful progress in order to build a community where we can all thrive.

Jo Strachan
Originally from Leeds, I moved from London to live in our beautiful city and to work as a teacher in 1993 with my then very young family. I have lived in Gilesgate since 2003.
I have worked as a primary teacher, a primary advisory teacher and as a Deputy Head. From 2000 I worked as a Senior Lecturer in education at Sunderland Uni.
Retiring just over two years ago, I have always had an avid interest in both national and local politics. Our city is beautiful and it’s an honour to live here. I would like to help maintain its historical status and present it at its best, which to me means listening to the views of local people.
I have a passionate interest in the arts; theatre, literature and fine art. I am a big believer in public art, and I paint in my spare time.
Durham has a mix of both student and permanent residents and I wish to use my time and knowledge to serve all sections of the community. I am keen to bring people together by encouraging ‘town’ and ‘gown’ to work together for the benefit of the community.

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