Mark Whittle for North Shropshire in General Elections 2024

Early Life and Career

Mark Whittle, born in Hartlepool in 1960, embarked on his journey in Fine Art at Nottingham before relocating to Ellesmere, Shropshire. His career began with Shropshire Museum Services. In 1984, Whittle joined the Territorial Army in Oswestry, serving in both the TA and regular Army. His service included deployments to the Falklands, Bosnia, and Kosovo, concluding in 2006. Over the years, Whittle has resided in Ellesmere, Oswestry, and Market Drayton.

Political and Community Involvement

Whittle’s dedication to politics and community development stems from a deep-seated desire to enhance his local area. For the past decade, he has contributed to the NHS Ambulance service. An avid Rugby Union supporter, Whittle has played for the Oswestry First and Second Teams, as well as the Army Sevens team.

Town Council and Leadership

In 2007, Whittle joined the Market Drayton Town Council, where he served as Mayor on two separate occasions. He was an active member of the Shropshire Association of Councils (SALC) in Wem, including a term as chairman. Through his roles, Whittle has gained valuable insights into local issues and has been instrumental in addressing problems within the community. His passion for North Shropshire drives his commitment to resolving longstanding issues within the constituency.

Cllr Mark Whittle, Deputy mayor of Market Drayton, has joined Reform UK in the midst of the hotly contested by-election after a lifetime supporting the Conservatives.

Mr Whittle, a full time Ambulance driver and military veteran of 20 years service, is a former mayor of the town in the constituency who joined Reform UK having met the Conservative candidate campaigning.

Mr Whittle said, “As Chairman of the Market Drayton Conservative Party and member of Shropshire Conservative executive, this is the most difficult decision I have ever made. Made only after a great deal of soul searching.

“I'm faced with no choice how I, how can I possibly back a candidate from Birmingham who has zero knowledge of North Shropshire and the challenges our community faces. It is too late for him to relocate to Shropshire if he wins. The Conservatives should have selected locally rather than be pressured into supporting someone with no prior interest or knowledge of the area.

“As chairman of the Conservative Party in Market Drayton and a voting member of the conservative Executive Committee, it therefore makes this decision a vital one.

“Why am I supporting Kirsty Walmsley? Her commitment to challenge the status quo and fight for North Shropshire.

“She highlights concerns over health locally and worsening local NHS provision. She is a champion of and supporter of our small businesses and farming communities in Shropshire. She is prepared to fight for the desperately overdue reforms to our local infrastructure, including lack of both east-west and north-south transport links.

“Kirsty is a local Shropshire lass who has great integrity. Kirsty has lived in North Shropshire all her life and currently lives in the heart of the county, Wem. The family business was based in Oswestry and her extended family is involved in Shropshire farming.

“Kirsty is streets ahead of both the Conservative and all the other candidates currently standing. The people of Market Drayton and North Shropshire both need and deserve an MP who understands, listens and acts on their concerns with both passion and energy. She is a breath of fresh air. She understands Shropshire. And its future needs”