Cllr. Jack Price
Co-opted member for Weycroft Ward

Email:

cllr.jprice@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I am incredibly proud to be serving as Chair of Axminster Town Council and Mayor of Axminster for 2026–2027. 

Born and raised in Axminster, and having worked in the town for the past 10 years, I have always believed that Axminster is the true home of community spirit. Having lived here all my life, it means a great deal to represent the place I have always proudly called home.

I joined Axminster Town Council in 2024, and it has been a real privilege to serve our community. As Axminster’s youngest ever Mayor, I feel deeply honoured to take on this role, and I hope it sends a positive message that, regardless of age or background, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.

I am committed to working closely with fellow councillors, council staff, local organisations, businesses, and residents to deliver the very best for Axminster. I strongly believe that local democracy works best when the community actively engages with it, and I would encourage residents to take an active interest in shaping the future of our town. 

It is a tremendous privilege to represent Axminster a town defined by its pride, resilience, and remarkable community spirit - and I look forward to serving our community over the year ahead. 

Cllr. Mark Dowdeswell
Co-opted member for Weycroft Ward

Email:

cllr.mdowdeswell@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I moved to Axminster in 2009. I own a successful retail business in Axminster which I run with my family.

My background is pretty varied, having served in the Army and as a Special Constable in Herefordshire after leaving the Army. I have degrees in law, forensic science and business studies (specializing in marketing) and previously worked as a solicitor in Bristol, the Isle of Wight and along the south coast.

My goal is to bring a diverse set of valuable skills to the role of Councillor in service to our town and its community.

Email:

cllr.jashkettle@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I wanted to be a councillor because service has always been at the heart of who I am. From my time in the military to my current roles with the Royal British Legion and other charities, I’ve seen the power of community in action. I’ve organised remembrance events, supported veterans and their families, and led local initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways.

I believe local government should reflect that same spirit; practical, compassionate, and rooted in real lives. Too often, concerns are raised but not resolved. I want to change that by being a visible, approachable presence who listens, follows up, and delivers.

My goal is to bridge the gap between residents and decision-makers, ensuring every voice is valued. With a strong sense of duty, a track record of grassroots action, and a deep love for our community, I’m ready to serve alongside you.

Email:

cllr.rdunsbury@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

My name is Richard Dunsbury.

I am Axminster born and bred.

I am married to Emma, who runs Furry Friends Care, Axminster, a small pet-sitting business. My daughter Holly attends the Axe Valley Academy. We also have a German Shepherd named Zeus.

My reason for wanting to become a local Councillor was to be able to give something back to the town where I have lived all my life.

The community spirit of the town has inspired me to do all I possibly can for Axminster.

Email:

TBA

TBA

Email: cllr.jfarrow@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I moved here from Croydon with my partner Mary in 2018. We had fallen in love with Devon whilst holidaying with our dogs, but finding Axminster was pure chance. We quickly realised that the sign on Minster Green “The Home of Community Spirit” said it all.

At the 2019 Annual Parish Meeting the forthcoming local elections were discussed, and I decided to stand, secure in the knowledge that as a newcomer I’d never be elected. In the event not enough candidates stood so I was elected unopposed! Serving on the Town Council gave me the opportunity to use the skills I’d learned as a career Civil Servant, though the some of the vocabulary was different.

Within two months of joining the Council I was lucky enough to be part of the team visiting our twin town of Douvres la Delivrande in Normandy to mark the 75^th anniversary of D Day. Both of my late parents served in the armed forces during the war, and my father remained in the RAF until retirement, so the celebration on Juno Beach was hugely poignant.

I had the Honour of serving as Mayor from 2021 to 2026.

 

Email:

cllr.ahayward@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

 

 I have lived in this area all my life – a local farmer’s daughter who visited the cattle market every Thursday in my younger days. My working life was spent in Accountancy firms and as Finance Officer for Lyme Regis Town Council, and more recently, taking a position at Axminster Property Ltd.

I am a Trustee of Axminster Care Service and a member of the Axminster Chamber of Commerce committee – all of my work and volunteer positions have given me a good understanding of this Town.

I was very pleased to have been co-opted to be a part of helping to shape Axminster further, and I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors at Axminster Town Council.

 

Email:

cllr.whurren@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I have been living in Axminster since 1993. I moved here from London with my family. I was of school age, and being deaf, I commuted daily to a school in Exeter. In adulthood commuting has continued and I have spent the last 20 years working for the Ministry of Justice, and for the Home Office, spending 4 years with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. 

While working I studied and have a degree in politics, philosophy and economics and post graduate diplomas in Public Sector Studies and Government. In my free time I love reading and films, so you will probably find me with a nose in a book or watching a film somewhere!

This is the first time I have volunteered to be on a council, and I look forward to working with the people I live with, as Axminster really is the home of community spirit.

Email:

cllr.lnorman@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I’m a local business owner with over a decade in the community. I opened my first shop here when I was 22, so I have a keen interest in local businesses. I run a coffee shop and have spent the past 19 years working in hospitality and events, a career built around people, problem-solving, and long days on my feet.

Alongside running a small business, I previously served as an Army Reservist in the Intelligence Corps, an experience that shaped my sense of responsibility, teamwork, and calm decision-making.

In my spare time, I volunteer as a tutor at a men’s cooking club, sharing my passion for food and practical skills. When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll usually find me hiking in the mountains both in the UK and abroad or out on Dartmoor when the weather is bad!

I care deeply about the place I live and the people who make it what it is.

Email:

cllr.sleat@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is Sara Leat and I have lived and worked in Axminster for over 15 years. I have two children, both still at school so youth matters are very important to me and it is looking at the future for my children that made me stand for Council.

My hobbies include amateur dramatics and I am the secretary of the Axminster Drama Club.

I have lots of experience in the financial sector having worked in finance and banking for over 20 years and knowledge and experience has been proved beneficial to the various committees I belong to

Email:

cllr.rosborn@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

I arrived in Axminster in May 2018 from Birmingham in the West Midlands, having started life in a rural part of Stafford. 

I served as governor of an infant school in Longbridge, Birmingham, and chaired the school's finance committee.

My career has predominantly been in the retail, car and motorcycle industries, although I also owned and ran my own cycle store for 10 years.

I am still a very keen e-bike user, motorcyclist, and motorist with a particular interest in classic cars.

I currently operate a school minibus for a company called 24-7, who are contracted by Devon County Council during term time. I am a keen allotmenteer the current treasurer to the recently reformed Allotment Association.  

 

Email:

cllr.epaice@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is Elizabeth. I have lived in Axminster for three years. I have two teenage daughters.

When the opportunity arose to join the council came up, I wanted to offer the voice of a young mum with teenagers to the Council's decisions and discussions.

I would like Axminster to change and grow for the better

Email:

cllr.jwalden@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

I moved with my family to Axminster in 1982, and we ran The New Commercial in Trinity Square until 2000. I then ran a food manufacturing business until I retired in 2022.

I was born in London but raised in Leicestershire. I went to The University of Surrey and then worked in hotels and managed three in Leamington, Stratford and Shaftesbury before moving here.

I have been a town Councillor for 26 years, twice having the honour of serving as your Town Mayor. I currently chair our operations committee, which looks after the amenities we offer our residents and visitors e.g. the allotments, the Jubilee Field, the Old Court House and Chard Road Cemetery.

I am also a Governor at Axe Valley Academy and Chair of trustees of Arc, our local mental health counselling charity.

 

Email:

cllr.twarwick@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I have lived in East Devon since 1994 having retired from the Metropolitan Police . Wife and mother of three daughters. I’ve had various roles here; Sunday School teacher, baby & toddler group leader, foster carer, NVQ Assessor, carer and netball coach.  My current roles afford the absolute privilege of engaging with over 200 people aged 0-80 years each week.

My love of netball comes second to seeing meaningful relationships established and community formed, these are my focus and I hope in this role as councillor I will be able to engage with even more people.

COVID, working from home, and stress-related issues have all served to divide and isolate, and we now need to communicate more and work together to build a solid community. I believe we all need to find that sense of purpose and self-worth and realise the potential within ourselves and in our town.

 

Email:

cllr.dwilley@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is David Willey. I moved to Axminster a year ago from Hampshire with my partner, two young boys and two dogs which has allowed me to start a new fresh life in the countryside and seek a better and healthy life of living for us all.

A lot of my spare time is taken up with my kids but my hobbies include, Metal Detecting & Fishing and I have an interest in local & County history and you can sometimes find me searching strange and mythical creatures.

In 2023, I was elected (uncontested) and I am passionate to be working closely with the residents of Axminster & Weycroft and ensuring the longevity of Axminster. I bring with me over 20 years' experience within the Security & Facilities industries and look forward to working with youth groups in the area as I am already involved locally working with Police Cadets