> > > > > Text only version of website < < < < <
> Return to full version here
Welcome to my campaign to force a referendum on elected mayor for Charnwood
This website has been built for you to learn about me, my motives and why I have started the process. A lot has been written about me and here you will see the full picture.
This website is not just designed for me to get my point across, but also for you to respond and give feedback.
The issues that I talk about seem to be in tune with the majority of the public, feel free to agree or disagree - we will publish your articles and comments here.
Did you know? The Government has stated that from the year 2000 to 2010 it wants to see all councils opt for elected mayor and cabinet with single tier government. London was the blueprint.
The News
• Next weeks Loughborough Echo will have a full page editorial piece and cut out voting form for up to 5 people. Make sure you fill one in and return to:
Holywell House
40 Leicester Road
Loughborough Leics. LE11 4AG
Use the example shown to fill in correctly.
• Forthcoming tour of the villages in the Borough to collect signatures and take your questions. Check the Echo newspaper and this website for details.
• If any organisation would like to invite Lez to speak, please get in touch. He would be happy to answer your questions.
Lez would like to point out that he has no political persuasions and will remain neutral.
My Biography
Born in 1952, grew up in Loughborough - living on Union Street until the age of 15 and educated at St Peters (tin hut!) school on Storer road. From there went on to Roseberry street infants and junior school, where I joined St Peters choir. I left Garendon High at the age of 15 with no qualifications in order to work to support my mother and younger brother and sister.
Started work at Len Jacksons coach works as an apprentice coach builder and sprayer where I developed my passion for cars.
Without doubt I owe a great deal to Len Jackson - he taught me how to conduct myself at a certain level in society. He gave me the benchmark to aspire to, and the confidence that people rarely get at that age. It was Len that taught me standards and respect. He was the first positive male role model in my life and believed in me when school and others around me didn't.
From there joined Stuart Westmorelands as deputy manager, where a passion for technology started. I was there at the birth of Video, CD, and DVD to name a few. Succesfully went on to manage the branch and then on to the East Midlands Electricity Board shop in town. I was ultimately employed as trouble shooter for the E.M.E.B. Whilst at Westmorelands I set up and owned a shop in Market st called Cest La Vie. At this time was also a director of Diana Clayfield Knitwear.
From 1974 onwards I started working heavily for charities on fashion shows, modelling and as compere.
I worked with the Y.W.C.A in Great Central road running the youth club there until the eighties.
I have been instrumental in raising funds for Loros, Rainbows and other charities. Mainly as compere for events such as Galas, fashion shows, musicals, cabarets and still doing it!
After leaving the Electricity board I was employed as sales executive for Falcon Mercedes Benz, and then on to Powerhouse retail where I launched and managed their flagship store in Nottingham.
It was at this point that I started my career with Charnwood Borough Council, having 5 contracts with them. Working in the Museum, Cafe, Main office as commisioner, Legal and democratic services - incorporating the Service shop, and number 4 driver for the mayoralty car. I have seen first hand how the council works and have been frontline to the public comments and grievances.
For the past 6 years I have ran the Holywell guest house with my partner of 17 years Derek Hunter.
Since February of 2005 I have been the managing director of Seel Manufacturing Ltd. I was a founder member of the Loughborough Beacon Rotary club and have been involved with them for over 21 years. I am deputy chair for fundraising this year.
I have been involved with the Charnwood Tourist Association and in the seventies was in the Charnwood chamber of trade representing Stuart Westmorelands.
My motivations
My motivation for starting this process developed during my time at Charnwood Borough Council.
The public would visit me in reception and vent their dissatisfaction with the borough - from cleanliness to planning. The public knew me and found me to be approachable and attentive.
In many cases I felt powerless to carry out their wishes and was only able to pass on their comments to Departments, Councillors and Chief Executives. Even now, whenever I am in the public arena people ask me questions and to some extent, see me as the face of Charnwood.
My belief is that Loughborough is a wealthy, red brick market town which is being diluted by planning mistakes - Tin roof shopping centres to mention one.
There are golden opportunities and challenges facing us right now - The Wharf project, inner relief road, the hospital site, parking issues, the state of the market, Bus station?, the state of town centre retailing and of course anti social behaviour.
These and many other issues need to be taken control by somebody that's in tune with public feeling, and with what's right for Charnwood. We need to allow the political process to work and not become clogged by eternal beurocracy.
The Process
For myself and campaign manager Veronica Herbert to obtain 6,500 signatures, which is just over 5% of the electorate of the Borough.
The list will then be presented to the council where they will have a further 6 months to formulate an election / referendum for the Borough to choose either:
a) the council as it is
b) an elected mayor and cabinet
If the election goes in favour of elected mayor, then at this point anybody who wishes to stand for mayor should declare their interest to do so.
I will of course be standing and so may several others, this remains to be seen. I may not win in the election, but I have forced the processs through and focused a great many people on the issues and opprtunities that Charnwood face. That alone is a job well done - but I intend to see this through.
Did you know: The govenment has set an agenda that from 2000 to 2010 all councils will opt for elected mayor and cabinet, with each cabinet serving a 4 year term. London was the precedent.
Issues close to my heart
The Wharf project
The inner relief road
The hospital site
Parking in the town
The state of the market
The decline of town centre retail
Anti social behaviour
Why support me ?
Well, from birth I'm local.
I have been in the frontline of the general public most of my life and understand the grievances and dissatisfaction with the Borough.
I have the benefit of not only being in tune with public feeling, but also have a good understanding of the inner workings of the council.
I know most of the councillors and a lot of the businessmen of this town, from retail to industry.
Past mayors and chief executives have already pledged their support, which has at times amazed me! - but on talking to them they feel that the time is right now for a change.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me or write to:
Lez Cope-Newman
Holywell House
40 Leicester Road
Loughborough Leics. LE11 4AG
> Email here
Endorsements
Lez Cope-Newman has the full support of a wide range of people from the Borough, including:
Market traders
Retail owners
General public !!
Former Mayors of the Borough
We will be publishing their reasons of endorsement here soon.
Have your say..
What do you think is right or wrong with Charnwood? Tell us.
Here we will be also publishing your response to the campaign and its issues.
Please get in touch via email or write to :
Lez Cope-Newman
Holywell House
40 Leicester Road
Loughborough Leics. LE11 4AG
Submitting comments via email will of course reveal your email address.
Please choose the option that suits you.
> Email here
Contact Lez
Lez Cope-Newman
Holywell House
40 Leicester Road
Loughborough Leics. LE11 4AG
Tel: 07899 755556
Email: contact@lezcopenewman.co.uk
Questions regarding the use of this website? > Email here
> Return to full version of website
> Site map
> Download printable version of signature request form