Cllr Pearl Lewis

I have lived in Akeley most of my life, and returned to the area after completing my degree in 2008. I then joined my family’s tailoring business – established in Buckingham for 33 years – and learnt about the unique character of our town and the people and businesses that are here. I now work for the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Buckingham.

Yeomanry House at the University of Buckingham - my office!

My interest in politics began when I joined the UK Youth Parliament in 2004 -debating on all the current issues, and producing a manifesto with other members for presentation to the UK Government. I went on to achieve a 2:1 degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Essex and was lucky enough to be taught by the most distinguished academics in the field.

After doing some canvassing for my County Council, I considered the idea of standing for the District Council in 2011.

Graduating at the University of Essex in 2008

My home seat in Luffield Abbey came up for by-election and I was elected as a District Councillor in February 2010

- beating three other candidates and achieving 50% of the vote. I enjoyed the election campaign immensely – and I know I am going to enjoy making a difference to my community even more. I’m looking forward to meeting even more of my constituents and learning about the work of Aylesbury Vale District Council and the decisions it makes.

This wonderful opportunity allows me to experience local government as an elected official and also have my full time job working at the University, where I am learning about the role and importance of the only private university in the UK and the future of the HE system for British students.