Councillor quits to run for Westminster seat

Apr 17 2009 By Russell Butt

Young Tory Jack Perschke has today tended his resignation as Ward councillor for Englefield Green West.

Mr Perschke, 30, joined Runnymede Council in May 2007, but is now hoping to further his career by running for Parliament after being selected as the Conservative candidate for Derby South in Derbyshire.

The ex-infantryman and ex-aid worker faces a difficult challenge as he will be hoping to unseat Labour minister and former Foriegn Secretary, Margaret Beckett.

Mr Perschke, was elected to Runnymede council by voters in Englefield Green West, while studying for a masters in Sustainability and Management at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Mr Perschke thanked voters for backing him, and said: "Englefield Green is creating people who care about things and are going to be influences on the future. It's great that we're producing national politicians of the future who care about Runnymede and what happens here."

He added: "I will really miss summer afternoons playing cricket on the Green, scoring very few runs and taking very few wickets, but getting to know people and the community during boundary-line chats.

"The best thing about the Green is the sense of community and how of precious the village they have inherited is. The clear determination the villagers have to hold onto it."

Mr Perschke held posts in Runnymede Council's economic and leisure committees as well as the Englefield Green Committee, where he was noted for his avid debating.

He said: "I have been really lucky in my life and had some great opportunities and certainly one of those was to be on the council at Runnymede."

Shortly after being nominated for the Derby South post, Mr Perschke's employer's moved him to the midlands, compromising his ability to commit to his ward and forcing the resignation.

Council leader, John Furey, said his erstwhile colleague had applied himself 'vigorously to representing his residents': "Jack Perschke played a full and informed role within the two service committees he was on, whilst being forthright at full council meetings to ensure that full benefit and increased amenities for all residents was achieved.

"I am sure that the knowledge and experience he gained will be to the benefit of others."

A by-election for the ward vacancy will take place on June 4.