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about mark
Local man Mark Coote is in his third year as Conservative Candidate in Cheltenham and is more than ready for the next General Election, whenever Gordon Brown finally decides to go to the country.
Mark says, “We need a fresh start in Cheltenham, some new blood to help rebuild the trust of the town’s residents in the political system. Parliament needs new MPs not tarnished by expenses scandals who put honesty and decency above personal gain. I want to be a new voice in Westminster for Cheltenham. As a town our political voice is virtually silent nationally and I want to change that.”
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Mark in his local pub with friends supporting the SAVE OUR SMALL PUBS campaign
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Mark grew up in Leckhampton, attended Leckhampton Primary School (where he serves as a Governor) and then Cheltenham Grammar School (now Pate's and where he also serves as a Foundation Trustee). He studied Russian History and Politics at Nottingham University before doing a PostGrad year in teacher training, a Masters Degree at the University of London and a short term Fellowship at Oxford, at Pembroke College.
After spending more than twenty years in secondary education Mark joined Britain's largest charity, Cancer Research UK, in 2004 as Director of Community Fundraising. He was until recently an Associate Director, leading the fundraising efforts for the charity across the country. Since late January however he has given up work to concentrate full time on his role as the Conservative candidate for Cheltenham.
Mark says, 'It's great to be working in my home town as the Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman; an ambition I have had since I was a boy. I'm Cheltenham through-and-through and it's an honour to try and help my fellow residents.'
Mark's passion for politics began when, in 1978, he and fellow pupils from Cheltenham Grammar School raised a petition to save the school from being forced to become a comprehensive.
'I was angry at the time because local opinion was being ignored by the Labour Government.' Mark delivered the petition to Number 10 Downing Street, supported by Cheltenham's then Conservative MP, Sir Charles Irving.
"Being local helps. You have to be in tune with the townspeople and have a sense of their priorities. What matters is that Cheltenham's voice is heard at Westminster and that local people feel they are being listened to. Health, education, the environment, transport and quality of life are all hugely important to our town.'
Mark has been campaigning hard since his selection in November 2006: 'It's wonderful to have the opportunity to represent Cheltenham and I am really enjoying meeting new people, getting to know them and championing their concerns.'
Mark lives in the St Luke's part of town, close to the town centre. He supports a number of local organisations including the Playhouse Theatre, The Everyman Theatre, the Oakley Regeneration Partnership, Winston's Wish, the Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum, Cheltenham's Local History Society and is a regular worshipper at St Mary's Charlton Kings where he was formerly a chorister. As well as supporting Leckhampton primary and Pate’s Grammar School he is also a Governor of Pittville School.
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