DEVON County Councillors, husband and wife team Gordon and Jackie Hook, pictured, are not seeking re election in May’s County Council election, and the party will be promoting two other well known dedicated local residents, Colin Parker and Eloise Rokirilov.
Eloise works as a gardener, taking care of public parks and gardens, and is vice-chairman of the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society, with a strong commitment to the preservation of our precious environment and local heritage. Eloise lives in the heart of Newton Abbot.
Colin Parker is both a Newton Abbot Town and Teignbridge District Councillor, where he is the current vice-chairman and chairman elect. Colin is a former mayor of Newton Abbot and is heavily involved with the carnival and a great many of the town’s public events. He is also chairman of the town’s finance committee and has been for the last six years.
Eloise said: ‘I am delighted to have been selected to fight the Newton Abbot North seat for the Liberal Democrats. I was surprised and sad to learn that Cllr Jackie Hook is standing down from her Devon County role, and following her achievements will be no easy task. We have already built a good relationship and Jackie has been a very supportive councillor in the past, in my own experience. I look forward to fighting for low cost housing for local people, reducing traffic pollution in the town centre and wider area, and continuing the “greening” of our town. We must respect our environment and also preserve our historic heritage. I look forward to the opportunity of supporting residents, and working with all interested in the regeneration of Newton Abbot.’
Colin said: ‘I am saddened that both Gordon and Jackie are stepping down from their county roles. They are well respected councillors and have achieved a tremendous amount. Jackie is an extremely knowledgeable and eloquent councillor.
‘I have been proud to work alongside Gordon in Newton Abbot, primarily in the Buckland and Milber wards. Gordon and I have successfully liased on many wide-ranging projects over the last 14 years, and will continue to do so.
‘Gordon has helped and advised me a great deal and the knowledge gained will be invaluable, if elected, as I seek to serve Newton Abbot residents in this County new role. His tenacity when faced with obstacles is unrivalled. So many will vouch for that! I have always shared his passion to help the public and pledge to continue to do my very best for all in the town, as I have done as a Town and District Councillor.”
Martin Wrigley standing for Devon County in Dawlish and local Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson said “Gordon and Jackie have set a high standard and I have seen on the doorstep the regard local residents hold for both of them. I am delighted that Colin and Eloise are standing up to continue their good work.’