Ross-on-Wye by-election: Meet the four candidates vying for a council seat

FOUR candidates are to stand in next week’s by-election in the Ross West ward to become a councillor on the town council,

The by-election will be held on October 1 and those in the Ross West ward will receive their polling cards after Ross-on-Wye Town Council voted for them to be produced.

The vacancy arose in the summer following the resignation of Saskia Harrison, who was elected on to Ross-on-Wye Town Council as an Independent, in August 2025, but resigned 11 months later.

The next scheduled elections for Herefordshire Council and the county’s town and parish councils, will be held on May 6, 2027.

MIKE CONNOLLY

REFORM UK

FOLLOWING his retirement, Mike Connolly has been living in Ross-on-Wye for the past three years having been living Germany and working for Rolls-Royce aero-engines industry for 27 years as a measurement engineer.

Although Mr Connolly has always taken an interest in politics, it is only upon his arrival back in this country that he has felt compelled to join Reform UK, his first and only membership of any political party.

Mr Connolly said: I am loving my time here in Ross and I’ve made many friends and acquaintances. I’ve joined the University of the Third Age and I’m an active member on my housing estate’s residents’ committee.

“However, I feel it’s obvious that Ross needs some TLC as well as a dose of common sense in council policies to revive the town’s businesses.

“It’s time for a fresh approach and one which restores practical, common-sense governance and puts the residents of Ross first.”

Mr Connolly states that his priorities, if elected, include improving river defences along with protecting homes and businesses from frequent flooding; protecting our beautiful countryside and ensuring any new development is made on Brownfield and Greyfield sites.

“I would support affordable homes for our residents, revitalising our high streets, protecting our heritage and history as well as tackling anti-social behaviour,” Mr Connolly added.

“In addition, I would ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely.”

PETER EVANS

INDEPENDENT

MR Evans explained to the Ross Gazette that local town government is not about party politics, or who can shout down who, but is about ensuring the town of Ross-on-Wye is run with the interests of its townsfolk, tradespeople, visitors and natural and cultural features foremost in decision making.

Mr Evans added: “It is about ensuring the many clubs, voluntary organisations and societies are cherished and promoted.

“That local businesses and tradespeople are supported and encouraged. That visitors and tourists are welcomed and valued and that the River and land around is respected and protected.

“I’ve lived in Ross for nearly five years, after 40 years working in education, specifically special education needs. I’ve invested my time with many local groups and voluntary organisations. I am a befriender, school reader and volunteer public footpath officer.

“I love the vibrancy of Ross and its growing number of exciting and interesting events.

“I support the growth of such great community events, which help promote 'our beautiful town’ as an important cultural and leisure destination for tourists from far and wide.

“We need to work together to ensure a thriving and safe town centre with more opportunities for young people to develop their skills and interests; better facilities and more resources to support our community’s growth and prosperity; and investment in the key elements that made Ross the special place it remains today.”

NEIL FOWLER INDEPENDENT

MR Fowler points out that Ross-on-Wye needs councillors who are accessible, present, and willing to put the work in.

Mr Fowler added: “Crucially, a good councillor must represent everyone—those who voted for them, those who voted for someone else, and those who didn’t vote at all. We are here to be your voice.

“We need to take proper pride in our town again: Keeping our road verges, approaches, and communal areas properly maintained and this includes looking after our iconic views.

“Also, we need to focus on bringing back the energy that draws visitors here and celebrating community traditions, just like the return of the carnival this summer.”

Mr Fowler said that Ross is just more than where he lives, “It’s my home. I was born and grew up here and raised my three children,” he said, adding: “I firmly believe that party politics has no place town council level.

“Local issues aren’t about national party line voting; they are about clean streets, thriving local businesses, safe open spaces and practical solutions for our town.

“Ross needs stronger, dedicated, independent local voices on the town council. Election day is our chance to show that Ross is ready for positive change.

Mr Fowler, a former firefighter for 35 years, says that seeing people in the town who recognise his dedication to Ross is ‘truly humbling’.

ANDREW STEELE

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

I AM standing for election because I want to contribute to the community I live in and give something back to Ross-on-Wye.

For the past 25 years, I have held senior management positions in business, gaining experience of making decisions, managing resources and working with people to achieve results.

If elected, I want to put that experience to work for the benefit of our town. Being a councillor should be about listening, working constructively with others and, most importantly, making sure local people are heard.

I would hold surgeries, so residents have a regular opportunity to raise concerns, ideas and issues directly with me.

I would also work hard to promote Ross and make sure our town gets the attention and support it deserves.

There are several issues I would focus on; The pollution of the River Wye is a serious concern, and I would work with local organisations and stakeholders to help find practical solutions.

I also want to explore new approaches to tackling the number of empty retail properties in the town, while supporting efforts to improve flood defences and increase the availability of affordable housing.

If elected, I will work hard for everyone in Ross, regardless of how they voted. My goal is simple: to help make Ross an even better place to live whilst maintaining its unique character.