I was born and raised on Teesside. At age 18, I went to Leeds University to study Medicine for 5 years; an opportunity made possible through Royal Air Force sponsorship. Once I qualified as a doctor, I served in the RAF as a Medical Officer for 20 years, in Britain, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Norway, the Falkland Islands and the Gulf. After I left the RAF, I worked as a GP for the British Army for a further 18 years, looking after our soldiers and their families based overseas. I have always tried to serve this country in any way I can.

When I retired and came to Newark in 2018, this town became the first, and only permanent home I have ever known. I live in Devon Ward, and I volunteer as a shop assistant in a charity book and record shop in Newark. I am married, with two adult children who have left home, and I have a rescue dog called Daisy.

Every day, I feel lucky that this is the place I chose to settle. I love this town and all that it offers. I walk to the sports centre, to the park, to the library, to pubs and cafes, and to the market. Newark is a good place to live, but it could be even better, and that is why I have decided to stand as an independent candidate, to improve our District Council for the benefit of all residents. As an independent, I will work with councillors of all parties, to deliver better outcomes for Newark. 

In 2021, I helped the Stop the Chop campaign, because the costly scheme to replace the library gardens with a car park extension was wrong. It did not serve Newark or its people. This was not just about saving trees. It was about holding powerful people to account for fairness, honesty and transparency. This town deserved better. The people of Newark joined that campaign in their thousands, and they won. That moment made me proud of Newark and what it can achieve. This is a small town with a big heart.

I will always listen to, and work with our community to make our town:

• Healthier:  Working together, to ensure that improved health and well-being is always our first priority.

• Safer: Tackling crime and antisocial behaviour. Building confidence for people to walk freely, without fear.

• Cleaner and Greener: Stopping the unnecessary loss of green spaces, reducing litter and fly-tipping. Making sure development is responsibly managed to avoid destruction of our town’s character.

• Fairer: Supporting those who are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. Helping to deliver improved life opportunities for everyone within Newark.

Everyone should have an equal stake in this town’s future. The first loyalty of your councillor should be to you as a fellow citizen, not to any political party or personal vested interests. Together we can make Newark a town that everyone is proud to call home.

ONE YEAR ON …

As a Councillor, my primary responsibility is to ensure that residents in my ward are heard and treated equitably. If anyone feels they are not receiving adequate service, I am here to ensure their voices are acknowledged. 

I also serve as the Armed Forces Champion for the District, advocating for veterans and striving to prevent any unfair treatment based on military service. Furthermore, I hold the position of Vice Chair on the Policy and Performance Improvement Committee at NSDC, and I am a member of the Housing Assurance and Tenant Engagement Boards. My focus is on prudent spending of resources and ensuring all customers are treated justly. Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge and rectify any mistakes transparently. 

Neil Ross working for a fairer, cleaner and healthier Newark.