St Neots Independents • Your candidates for Priory Park and Little Paxton

We are four of the hardest-working community organisers and local politicians in St Neots, Huntingdonshire.

We believe the best way to bring about positive change in our town is to roll up our sleeves and make it happen.

Stephen Ferguson

I was the Mayor of St Neots in 2020-22 and was elected as the Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council. I am proud to have been the civic leader for the town during two of the most difficult years in its history, and grateful to see the town’s economy once again starting to flourish.

I am a passionate community organiser and a serial volunteer. I founded Pocket parkrun in 2018, and have played an instigating role in St Neots Youth Council, Waterside Green Energy (which aims to install a water turbine in Little Paxton), Pride in St Neots, St Neots Inclusive Playpark Foundation, and Revamp the Ramp.

I have almost 30 years experience in professional engineering. I live with my wife, son, two step-daughters and three sausage dogs in St Neots.

Ben Pitt

I moved to St Neots in 2012 and have thrown myself into community life. In 2014 I set up the charity that runs Love’s Farm House and became a parent governor at The Round House Primary School. I have organised a wide range of community activities and cultural events around the town including family music workshops, a community café, COVID-response initiatives, the St Neots Directory website, beer and gin-tasting events and St Neots Micro Festival on the Market Square.

I am currently a town and district councillor for St Neots. I’ve worked as a community organiser, journalist, musician, videographer and music teacher. I enjoy walks with my family along the Great Ouse and around Paxton Pits, and we recently joined Paxton Lakes Sailing Club.

Richard Slade

I have lived in St Neots for 13 years and am a champion for the arts in our town. In 2015 I co-founded Neotists, a charity that supports and represents the creative community, and now has over 300 members. Through Neotists, I have led and supported dozens of initiatives, from community art projects to public consultations. Since 2017 I have been part of the St Neots Masterplan committee, set up by the Combined Authority to support economic growth in the town.

Professionally, I run my own design business and have lectured in graphic design at Bedford College.

I am a competitive rower and cyclist with local clubs, and a governor at Longsands Academy. I am married with three children and a loveable rescue dog named Rufus.