Marlow & Marlow Bottom are being combined together, with 3 seats at Buckinghamshire Council.

Full statement

I’m asking you to vote for Mark Andrew SKOYLES

I care deeply for the area and as your local representative I can’t and won’t hide behind party rosettes nor party loyalties. Unlike some ‘paper-candidates’ that are standing for all political parties, I’m heavily invested in the area I won’t be making up the numbers.

Change is needed at Buckinghamshire Council to help bring local services into the 21st century. I pledge to be responsive and work diligently, collaboratively and objectively for all.

I grew up in Marlow, attending Little and Great Marlow schools and my parents still live in the town. He and partner Natalie live in Marlow with two daughters. I was a School Governor at Marlow C of E Infant School over 6 years, with 2 years as Chair. 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 Marlow Chamber of Commerce.

I have run a physio clinic on Marlow High Street for the last 10 years and am passionate about enabling people of all ages and abilities to live healthy, active lifestyles and want to bring some of that passion and knowledge to Bucks Council.
I care more about the issues that affect Marlow and the traditional British values of: Democracy, Tolerance, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Rule of Law, than political dogma or ideologies.

Effective delivery of OUR local services should not and has not got anything to do with party political arguments. A vote for an independent in Marlow means a representative who can solely represent YOU and not have to vote for what is wanted (or not wanted) in Aylesbury or Westminster by political parties.

As a life-long Marlow resident and father, my main concern has been a lack of long-term strategies, with ‘tell-em-what-they-wanna-hear’ slogans. And decisions not thinking past the next election, let alone how they may affect our children.

100% Conservative control of Marlow for the last +20 years means they mark their own homework and councillors are complacent (outside elections). I know what good governance and effective scrutiny is. Unfortunately, there has been nowhere near enough at all levels of government over the last two decades.

As an Independent Councillor I'd ensure fair have the opportunity to campaign for change to the constitution ensuring fairer and higher standards for all councillors. The Conservatives haven’t wanted to increase their own workloads. Balanced new ideas, a fresh perspective and hard work are needed for a healthier, sustainable future for Marlow. Thank you for reading! Mark