Local elections take place on Thursday 1 May 2025, and included in that are elections for Marlow Town Council.
MyMarlow asked each MTC candidate for a profile, and these are presented below. Just like the official candidate listing, they are in alphabetical order, with any party/group affiliation shown.
Marlow Town Council is split into 3 “wards” North & West, South East, South. If you are unsure which ward you are in, there is a map here on the Marlow Town Council website.
Other areas within our coverage area would also have had local parish council elections, but positions were filled “uncontested”. Details are in this Word document, but in summary:
- Marlow Bottom Parish Council (5 appointed out of 9 positions)
- Great Marlow Parish Council (4 appointed out of 8 positions))
- Little Marlow Parish Council (8 appointed out of 9 positions)
On the same day, there are also elections for Buckinghamshire County Council. A list of candidates for the Marlow ward can be found here
You polling station will be shown on your voting card, which you should have received in the post, but can also be found by entering your postcode here.
** Remember ** you will need photo ID to vote.
Marlow Town Council Candidates
Marlow North & West – 7 posts to fill
“BOULAY Muryel” – Residents for Marlow
I have been a resident of Marlow since 2004 and after spending 20 years travelling the world for business purposes, have become an active member of the community. I set up my own business during the pandemic and became a sustainability consultant working for all kinds of industry, supporting businesses being a force for good. I was involved with the refill shop Seed 1. I currently support the refugee cause (Marlow Refugee Action/Wycombe Refugee Partnership) and the rewilding movement (Pocket Wilding) after hours. I am also a dedicated yogini and you might be familiar with my beret-ed silhouette as I roams the streets of Marlow and the Thames path.
Some of my ideas for the town council are:
• I would organise frequent clinic sessions between MTC and the residents to promote transparency, listening and understanding.
• I would set a local spend target for the use of MTC budget to promote local businesses.
• I would set up a charity of the month and ensure they can access MTC resource for that period of time.
• I would make the Marlovian a community magazine.
“BRISTOW Ashley” – Conservative Party
As a proud lifelong resident of Marlow, I have also been fortunate to spend over 20 years working within this vibrant community.
Recently retired from a fulfilling career in Supply Chain management at Xerox, where I had the privilege of working with colleagues around the world, I now focus on my passions – walking, cycling, and kayaking in the beautiful Chilterns and along the River Thames.
These stunning landscapes are dear to me, and I am committed to preserving them for future generations. In addition to my personal pursuits, I am an active Councillor for the Great Marlow Parish Council and a Trustee for Bovingdon Green Village Hall. With a strong desire to continue serving our community, I am standing for Town Council to represent and advocate for the interests of all Marlow residents.
“BURDEN Paul Michael Anthony” – Liberal Democrats
I’ve been a resident in Marlow for over 50 years and I have learned that the people of this town care deeply about this place. They deserve councilors who reflect those concerns.
We are strongly opposed to the Film Studio proposal which would impose a huge industrial development on the edge of the town – an issue which the existing Council have studiously ducked.
Local government is having to live with severe financial constraints. Liberal Democrats will not shy away from the challenge of meeting the needs of the town within those constraints.
“ELLIOTT Olwen Christina” – Residents for Marlow
I moved to Marlow with my husband David in 1996 and our two children have both attended Marlow schools. I have been an assistant Owl at 1st Marlow Brownies for the last 20 years and have been part of the environment-focused charity, Transition Town Marlow (TTM) since its start-up. I regularly help at the TTM Market on the Causeway and monthly Repair Café at Christ Church URC. I am a keen cyclist, volunteer with the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, and co-lead the TTM Active Travel group, which aims to encourage more people to walk or cycle for local journeys. I am a committee member of The Marlow Society and am keen to see Marlow thrive as a vibrant community.
I have recently retired from secondary school teaching, and would like to put time into helping enhance Marlow as a supportive community to live in and an attractive town to visit. I am particularly interested in tackling parking and traffic issues, and solving problems via a collaborative approach.
“GILLEN David Palmer” – Conservative Party
In 2005, my wife and I, along with our two sons, made Marlow our home. Since then, we’ve enjoyed a wonderful life here, and now I feel it’s time to give something back to say ‘thank you’ to Marlow. I’ve been involved with my sons’ rugby education at Marlow Rugby Club, and I’m eager to contribute more to our community.
As Chief Medical Officer for a pharmaceutical company, I lead a global team in developing and introducing medicines for people with various conditions. I hope to bring my skills in people management, finance, and business to the Town Council to help our town thrive.
Marlow is a fantastic place to live, but there is always room to make it even better. I’m enthusiastic about supporting our community, especially young people, and I would be honoured to work with the Town Council team to help make a positive difference.
“JONES Su” – Conservative Party
I’ve lived in Marlow for 25 years, and the town’s vibrant community and beautiful countryside have always filled me with pride. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in local activities, from the JAM Theatre Show Choir to Pilates, where I’ve made lasting friendships and built strong connections within the community.
In my spare time, you’ll find me singing with a jazz band, enjoying daily walks around our parks and riverside, or relaxing in one of Marlow’s lovely cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Now retired after a career as a Product Development Manager, I’m eager to bring my experience in understanding people’s needs, building teams, and managing projects to support our town. I’m passionate about strengthening our community spirit, promoting sustainable development, and championing local businesses. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to Marlow’s continued success.
“MIDDLETON Joe” – Conservative Party
Having lived in Marlow for nearly 20 years with my wife and four children, I’m proud to be part of a community that spans generations, from thriving retirees to ambitious families who have chosen Marlow as the place to settle and raise a future generation.
I’ve coached youth Rugby, Football, and Cricket in local clubs, promoting teamwork and the valuable lessons of success and failure. I’m also a founding member of a non-profit community-focused initiative with an idea to generate sustainable hydropower from our river.
As Managing Partner of Lightfoots Solicitors, with a growing presence in Marlow, I bring a wealth of business experience and strategic thinking to every challenge.
I’m passionate about turning ideas into action and tackling challenges head-on. I’m committed to ensuring Marlow remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, and I would be honoured to serve on the Town Council.
“NUTTALL Gary Peter” – Conservative Party
I’ve been a resident of Marlow for just over twenty years and love the blend of beauty, tranquillity and vibrancy that the area provides. It is a picturesque town surrounded by open countryside which I enjoy walking, and occasionally cycling around.
When I moved to Marlow, I’d not really thought about how local government works. That was until there was a proposal to build a sports stadium, funded by taxpayers, to mainly benefit a property developer. I successfully led a campaign which brought together local communities and societies, and it ignited a passion in me to protect the area from inappropriate development.
Recently, that passion was reawakened by another development to build on Green Belt, and I’ve been providing support to various parties objecting to the proposal.
I want to improve engagement between the Town Council and the local community and help to ensure that Marlow continues to thrive.
“RICHES Liz” – Conservative Party
Marlow was a fantastic place to raise my family, and now that they’ve flown the nest, it’s the perfect time for me to give something back to this wonderful town.
As the manager of The Ark, the Community Café at Marlow Methodist Church, where I am also a member, I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and connect with both local residents and visitors to our town. My personal values centre around transparency, honesty, and helping others. I am truly passionate about giving everyone a fair chance, which is why our team proudly includes people facing challenges who deserve to feel valued and supported.
I have run my own business as a leadership trainer and coach for over 30 years, and believe my skills in listening, empathy, and facilitation will help me represent you, the residents of Marlow, in maintaining and improving our great town for future generations.
“SAVELL Ann” – Conservative Party
I’m so thrilled at the prospect of helping to make Marlow an even better place to live. My husband and I, along with our two much adored spaniels, moved here after our children had grown up. We fell in love with Marlow’s lively atmosphere and the wonderful sense of community. Plus, it’s perfect for keeping our London-based sons close enough to visit – no excuses!
Fuelled by an MBA, I’ve held leadership roles in the NHS, education, and pharmaceuticals, where clear communication has been fundamental. I’ve worked alongside dedicated teams to achieve goals that benefit many.
Serving as a magistrate has given me a deep appreciation for local issues, and I’m passionate about helping Marlow meet its evolving needs. I want to be someone people can turn to, someone who listens and works alongside the Marlow community to build a bright future for everybody.
“SCHOOFS Frank” – Residents for Marlow
A Marlow resident since 2015, I am a Chartered Engineer with children at Spinfield School, a keen gardener (including an allotment at Hanging Hill), cyclist and active community volunteer. I play a leading role in the Marlow Repair Café and I am a Trustee of Transition Town Marlow.
In 2022, I coordinated the campaign to save our rights of way in the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, when the significance of the threat of the Marlow Film Studio project became clear. I have taken part in the Water Blitz citizen science project for several years.
I firmly believe that a strong in-person (not behind a keyboard) community is the only viable way forward and a Marlow Town Council with Residents for Marlow is best placed to make that happen.
If I had a magic wand for Marlow, I would make sure that all children could walk or cycle safely to any local school. We would all say hi to our neighbours and help eachother – sharing experience, skills, tools, produce. And from time to time, the whole town comes together to celebrate community milestones.
“WHELAN Justin” – Residents for Marlow
I was raised in Marlow and after many adventures in the British Isles and beyond, came back to care for my mum and for the Marlow community. A serial entrepreneur, I now sell pizzas from my boat in summer and wood stoves from my shop in winter. I deeply care about the climate and nature. I have a thing for boats and you might have spotted my wide beam barge(e) moored at Higginson Park.
Here are some of my ideas, related to several issues raised by the public, at the doorstep, in the Marlow Residents Forum or in the Community Hub discussion:
• Run a ferry to allow people to cross the river while the Temple Bridge is out of action. I’m just going ahead and doing this, because the community needs and wants it.
• To deal with parking concerns, we can work with shops and trades to manage their delivery times (to ease congestion) and look at underutilised car parks across the town. Can we run a park and ride scheme?
• I want planning application decisions and feedback to be based on public opinion, not on party lines.
• I want a bandstand in Higginson Park.
Marlow Town Council should always act on behalf of the people of Marlow and its future generations.
Marlow South East – 3 posts to fill
“DITCHFIELD Philip James” – Conservative Party
Marlow, our home since 2001, where we’ve brought up our family: a daughter working in fashion and a son, who’s a Thames Valley police officer. I’ve held senior management positions in publishing and built an events company in Marlow, where I employed local people.
In 2010, I set up a solar buying group in the town to encourage households to install solar panels to save money and reduce carbon emissions. This led to me becoming a Town Councillor in 2011, serving for four years.
As a Councillor, I helped create the town’s cycle paths. I also led the Children’s Olympic Torch Relay, receiving Marlow FM’s 2012 Community Event of the Year award.
If elected, I will focus on modernising council meetings, encouraging active public involvement to address key issues. I aim to eliminate plastic bottles by installing more drinking fountains and increasing activities available for young people.
“EVANS Mark” – Conservative Party
Marlow has been our family home for nearly 20 years. It’s been magical for us – the schools, the sports clubs, the enviable environment… “You live in Marlow? Lucky you!”. It would be a privilege to give back.
My career has been in Marketing with Mars, HSBC and Direct Line and in 2018 I was voted Marketing Society Leader of the Year, so I know how to get things done.
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I’ve now moved into coaching, and I’m also a Trustee for Cancer Research UK and for OnSide, a youth work charity.
I also founded the Sprintathon, which many in Marlow might remember from 2016-18 where we collectively ran some seriously fast marathons on the Little Marlow track to fundraise for CRUK. Over the last decade, I have organised many Sprintathons raising £960k so far. I trust this demonstrates my strong sense of community and my forward-thinking approach to taking action.
“HAWKINS Emma Victoria” – Residents for Marlow
I relocated to Marlow in August 2004. Initially, I worked as a room leader in a day nursery before recently qualifying as a play therapist. Concerned about the amount of litter in Marlow, I was a founding member of Marlow Wombles. Over the past six years, we have collaborated with numerous local organizations and schools, to maintain Marlow’s cleanliness and educate people of all ages about the detrimental effects of litter on the environment.
When living in Henley, I volunteered for a charity called Nomad, who supported youth and young families in various ways. I helped with various projects they ran, including detached youth work. I have a heart to empower young people to find something that helps them work through their struggles, in a loving community.
What I would want to see for Marlow Town Council is a different political culture where collaboration with the community is carried out, where doing the right thing (sustainability, kindness) is cool again. I want a Marlow where there is no culture of ‘Too busy’ to do the right thing. And ideally a situation where the Marlow Wombles can volunteer in other ways in Marlow and not needing to litter pick.
“SIMNETT Jennifer Yvonne” – Residents for Marlow
I moved to Marlow in September 2019 to complete a PhD at Henley Business School in corporate governance. As a published poet, I was a founding member and vice-chair of the Marlow Writers’ Society and a driving force in organising the first Marlow Literary Festival in June 2023. This event included the production of The Marlow Poets Book. In my professional life, I am an interim director with over 20 years’ experience in transforming performance in public and private organisations. I have also worked in social housing for over 7 years as a non-executive board
member.
We need a Local Plan in Marlow which has buy-in from local residents – there is no reason not to have one! Having been involved with shaping a Marlow community hub, I feel strongly about creating more engaging local activities for young people and connecting the disconnected including the elderly. As a past volunteer for national charities such as Samaritans and Relate, I would like to drive the creation of more volunteering opportunities in Marlow. I have been a foster carer in the past and have personal experience of dementia including support of unpaid carers. As a self-employed businesswoman, I want to see local businesses thrive.
“THOMSON Kathy” – Conservative Party
I made Marlow my home more than thirty years ago, raising my family and deeply immersing myself in the life of our wonderful town. I am passionate about preserving the charm, vitality, and sense of community that make Marlow such a special place to live.
Professionally, I built an international consultancy and event business right here in Marlow. During my 8 years as a town councillor, I played a key role in shaping Marlow’s Vision, ensuring it remains the most attractive and vibrant riverside town in the Thames Valley – a vision shaped by listening closely to residents’ views.
I’m dedicated to our community, serving as a school governor, supporting Age Concern, and caring for local wildlife.
Known for my determination, drive, and hands-on approach, I’m committed to making a difference. If re-elected, one of the things I’d like to sort out is the litter problem in Marlow.
Marlow South – 2 posts to fill
“GULY Bern” – Conservative Party
37 years ago, I moved to Marlow as it seemed the ideal place to raise a family and have not left it since. I love this town!
Career-wise I worked for the Ministry of Defence for 10 years before moving into the world of marketing & PR.
I am a member of Marlow & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce and also a volunteer delivery driver for “Meals for Marlow”, which for me highlights the need to look after the elderly, lonely and less well-off in our community.
Walking along the river most mornings boosts my energy, and I have campaigned to raise awareness on issues such as the disrepair of our bridge, abandoned boats & the state of the park. It is also important to me that we retain Marlow’s local pubs! When I have time to wind down, I enjoy world affairs, Guy Ritchie films and live music.
“SKOYLES Mark Andrew” – Standing for Marlow, Safer, Cleaner Streets
I grew up in Marlow, attending Little and Great Marlow schools. My parents still live in the town and my partner Natalie and I live in Marlow with our two daughters.
I was a School Governor at Marlow C of E Infant School over 6 years, with 2 years as Chairman. And sat on the Bucks Council Children’s Scrutiny Select Committee as a School Governor Representative. I am an active member of the National Trust, Marlow Society and Chamber of Commerce.
I’ve run a physio clinic on Marlow High Street for the last 10 years and passionate about enabling people of all ages and abilities to live healthy, active lifestyles and want to bring some of that passion to the Council.
I want to see more scrutiny and more action on the issues important to Marlow residents from our councillors.
“TOWNS Jocelyn” – Conservative Party
Marlow has been my home for 28 years, and where I brought up my two girls. I worked locally for Dun & Bradstreet in the International team. I became a Councillor in 2007, wanting to give something back to this wonderful town.
I believe I have made a positive impact as a Town Councillor. I have a track record for getting things done, for example, stopping parking meters in the town and getting our bridge lights working again. I have been Town Mayor for three terms and chair of several committees. I am also the deputy chair of the Globe Business Park BID Board.
I am passionate about sustainability and kicked off the Sustainable Marlow Group in 2017, with Eco Schools, Releaf and Refill.
Reviewing our Vision and Strategy will help us deliver what is important to our residents, and I look forward to continuing to make Marlow special, in this coming term.