COUNCILLOR LESLIE MCDONALD
No stranger to the Town, Leslie has known Burnham for over 55 years, sailing in the Crouch as a youngster and later returning as an RNVR officer teaching Sea Cadets to sail from a boat station at Bridgemarsh Marina in Althorne. Moving from Dagenham to Leslie Park some 25 years ago, he finally realised an ambition to reside in a stunning, friendly, welcoming Town he calls “the Essex Riviera”
A former Radar technician at Kelvin Hughes Les then joined Ford Motor Company as a Senior Electronics Engineer working on numerous vehicle projects for over 42 years retiring in 2020. During this time he also became a Staff Pension Trustee Director responsible for overseeing a more than £4 billion investment fund.
A long serving Trade Union Representative in Ford for Unite during the last 10 years he was elected as the Ford Staff National Union Chairman negotiating with Senior Ford Management for the whole of the UK Ford operations within Ford of Europe.
As Chair of the Automotive Sector in Unite he has been instrumental in lobbying Parliament on many issues appertaining to the industry, supporting cross party discussions with MP’s on emissions as we aim for net zero. He still supports members now as an Accredited Support Companion for Unite. Many of these skills he believes can be useful as a Town Councillor.
Passionate about our town and wanting to do more to promote it many people may know Les as a key organiser of our now famous “Pirates on the Quay Day” and would often be seen around town walking his well known blind Red Staffie “Rex” unfortunately now departed.
Leslie says:
“I will ensure that residents are kept fully informed on future projects ensuring transparency. I will strive to deliver investment into infrastructure, tourism, digital connectivity, youth and elderly facilities ensuring we receive our fair share of contributions from developers.”
“I aim to ensure the Council is open and transparent, working with the community to revitalise our Town as a safe, vibrant and prosperous place that we have all come to love.”
“Working together we can ensure a vibrant, stronger, inclusive community whilst still safeguarding it’s natural beauty and charm.”
Les is currently serving the Town Council on the:
- Environment Committee
CONTACT
cllrlesliemcdonald@burnhamoncrouchtowncouncil.gov.uk