I have lived in Ashtead for over 25 years. We first moved into this area to Epsom in 1989 and moved to Ashtead after our second child arrived and we were bursting out of the house we were living in!
Professionally, I work for a large international insurance broker in the City and advise lenders and project companies on the insurances for complex renewable energy, power and infrastructure projects worldwide. Having been in lockdown for over a year I have now started back on the trains to the office for three days a week. I have a Law Degree from the University of Manchester and a degree in Politics, Philosophy and History from Birkbeck College, University of London.
My wife is a senior District Nurse working in the local area. We have three grown up sons who were born in Epsom hospital and educated at local schools (St. Peters primary, Therfield, Sutton Grammar and St. Andrews at secondary) and we now have one grandson.
My involvement with the Conservative Party started whilst at Manchester University in 1975. Canvassing in Stretford, Altrincham and Liverpool taught me to listen and never to take things too personally. I joined the local party when we moved to Ashtead and have been involved on the committee and CPF to the extent a busy professional and family life have allowed including two unsuccessful tilts at the District Council Elections for Common Ward.
As my business career is now winding down and the children have grown up I have more time to devote to help the local party and have a strong belief that the Residents Association (for all the good work that they do) cannot be the only voice in Ashtead. The village has been a very good home to us and it is important to me that there is a Conservative voice locally to respond to the economic, housing, medical and transport challenges that it now faces.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.
Gavin Newton
Ashtead Branch Chairman