Mark Ashdown has lived in Burwash Weald for over 11 years and is not a career politician. His background spans construction, road infrastructure, and engineering – he understands what adequate roads and drainage look like, and he can identify when planning applications are approved without them.

Mark started out in electromechanical engineering and has maintained a lifelong interest in related fields, including the UK’s electrical distribution system and the international grid. He has broad knowledge of nuclear, gas and biomass electricity generation, and understands the relative merits of each within the UK context. The greater part of Mark’s career was spent in the construction industry, working for a range of medium and large contractors across the UK and contributing to the building of roads and infrastructure. He subsequently ran his own business for many years, giving him first-hand understanding of the pressures of working in the private sector. Later in life, Mark returned to his roots through active involvement in renewable energy — specifically photovoltaic and solar thermal installations. He is currently upgrading his own solar generating capacity. He therefore brings practical, hands-on experience alongside sound theoretical knowledge to renewable energy matters, with a clear understanding of the real-world pros and cons of different systems.

Mark is extremely concerned about the large-scale developments in the High Weald that are being presented as sustainable, but that would cause irreversible harm to the countryside this community depends on. With hundreds of homes proposed across our division, and the county council £211 million in debt, Mark is standing to protect Rother North West’s countryside and bring accountability to decisions that affect rural residents every day.

On 7th May, give Mark Ashdown the opportunity to bring practical expertise and genuine local knowledge to decisions that affect Rother North West every day.