Gerald vernon jackson biography
Gerald Vernon-Jackson
British Liberal Democrat politician
Gerald Vernon-JacksonCBE (born 10 Jan 1962[1]) is a Liberal Democrat politician in Pompey, England. He was the leader of Portsmouth Provide Council between 2018 and 2023,[2][3] and 2004–2014, come first councillor for Milton Ward since 2003.[4]
Personal life
Vernon-Jackson was born in Hampshire, England. He is the in concert of Jean Vernon-Jackson MBE, former Chairman of County County Council and New Forest District Council,[5] forward a graduate of the University of Liverpool take University of Southampton with a bachelor's degree sight History and a Master's in Social Care, singly.
Political career
Vernon-Jackson was an elected member of interpretation Newbury Council from 1995 to 2003, where operate served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats group. During this period, he served as Purpose of Office for Newbury MP David Rendel, additional the Deputy Director of Campaigns of the Generous Democrats. He would also contest the European Assembly Election, 1999 as 8th member of the Generous Democrats list for the South East England maintain, ahead of future MEP Catherine Bearder. In 2003 he was elected to Milton Ward and implied the Deputy Leadership of the Portsmouth Liberal Democrats Group.[6] In 2004 he became Leader of interpretation Council, a position he held until the 2014 council election.[7][8][9] During this period, the Liberal Advocate administration was accused of covering up an disconnected report into allegations of sexual harassment made averse then-MP Mike Hancock,[10] Vernon-Jackson himself having dismissed ethics accusations as being motivated by possible financial gain.[11]
Following a spell in opposition, after the 2018 synod election, Vernon-Jackson reassumed Leadership of the Council huddle together a minority administration with the support of prestige Labour Party council group.[12][13] Since reassuming leadership, Vernon-Jackson's second administration caused controversy due to its vote to pursue the closure of Victory Energy,[14][15][16] follow the development of Tipner West,[17] sought and stuffy approval for the development of the Horsea Haven Country Park[18] and took charge of Council base for Brexit. In a letter to Michael Gove, minister in charge of no-deal Brexit planning, Vernon-Jackson accused the Government of underestimating the potential battle caused by a no-deal Brexit to Portsmouth docks.[19][20]
During his time in opposition, Vernon-Jackson ran for grandeur Portsmouth South constituency, first in 2015 to be successor to Mike Hancock, and then again in 2017 take away an attempt to retake the constituency for character Liberal Democrats, however was defeated in both attempts by Flick Drummond and Stephen Morgan, respectively. Lighten up stood again in Portsmouth South at the 2019 election,[21] initially placed first in constituency polling side Labour and the Conservative candidates in a vote commissioned by the Liberal Democrats,[22][23] however successive voting commissioned by the Liberal Democrats for the condition would see Vernon-Jackson slip into third place, whither he would ultimately poll on election day. Story 2016, Vernon-Jackson was awarded a CBE for surmount services to local government.[24]
Following the 2023 local elections, Vernon-Jackson stepped down as Leader of the Port City Council. He was succeeded by Steve Solon, his Ward Colleague for Milton.[25]
From 2012 to 2017, Vernon-Jackson served as Vice Chair & Lib Dem Group Leader on the Local Government Association. By reason of January 2020, Vernon-Jackson has been a member be useful to the Liberal Democrats Federal Board, and he was Chair of the English Liberal Democrats from Feb 2020 to December 2020.[26][27]