Meet the Councillors of Yarm

Town Councillors having individual roles but working together as a team

Councillor Jake Taylor

JakeTaylor@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Jake
Councillor Yvonne Wallace

YvonneWallace@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Yvonne
Councillor Hazel Best

HazelBest@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Hazel
Councillor Marje Blair

MarjeBlair@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Marje
Councillor Stephen Dodds

StephenDodds@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Stephen
Councillor Elaine Dodds

ElaineDodds@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Elaine
Councillor Stephen Nealon

StephenNealon@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Stephen
Councillor Christopher Neil

ChristopherNeil@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Christopher
Councillor Malcolm Palmer

MalcolmPalmer@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Malcolm
Councillor Aiden Pybus

AidenPybus@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Learn more about Aiden
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Jake Taylor

  • Email Jake
  • JakeTaylor@Yarmtowncouncil.gov.uk

Jake has worked in Yarm for over eight years at one of the largest establishments on the High Street. His experience in a high-level business environment has equipped him with a strong skillset that he now brings to the council, from managing budgets, driving growth, and overseeing business financials, to people leadership and effective team management.

Accustomed to working to tight deadlines, maintaining high standards, and handling demanding workloads, Jake applies this same ethos to his role within the council, which is great news for Yarm. He takes his position as Leader of the Council very seriously, and everything he does is focused on moving the council forward and making Yarm an even more delightful and prosperous place to live.

Jake is also passionate about community projects and local charities, including Yarm Wellness Centre and True Lovers Walk. He works closely with these organisations to help raise funds and support their amazing work so it can continue benefiting the community.

Yvonne Wallace

Yvonne has lived in Yarm for 45 years and has witnessed many changes within the community she proudly calls home. For more than three decades, she has successfully run two long-standing businesses, giving her extensive experience in finance, organisation, people management, and the value of passion in everything she does.

Her dedication to both her work and her town inspired her to take on the role of Councillor. Yvonne believes she has much to give back to Yarm a place that has given her so much throughout her life and she cannot imagine living anywhere else. She sees Yarm and its residents as truly special and is committed to working alongside fellow councillors to ensure the town continues to thrive.

Yvonne feels deeply passionate about Yarm and its people, and she is driven to help create a brighter future for the town. She has worked tirelessly on the Save Yarm Campaign, striving to ensure that future building developments do not compromise the character or beauty of the community she is proud to serve.

Hazel Best

Hazel has not lived in Yarm as long as some of the other Councillors but  she has quickly come to appreciate the strong sense of community that makes Yarm so special. Hazel works at a local college supporting students with complex needs, which constantly reminds her how vital inclusion is- and how important it is to ensure every voice is heard.

Hazel has dyslexia and understands first-hand the barriers people can face when systems are not designed with accessibility in mind. That is why Hazel is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for everyone in Yarm, where practical solutions matter more than politics, and fairness and empathy guide every decision. Hazel is committed to listening, responding to concerns with respect, and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more inclusive community for the future.

Hazel is Chairman of the Chapel and Graveyard Committee and works tirelessly to ensure this area of the community is running smoothly and with compassion.

Marjory Blair

Marj moved to Yarm in 1980 due to her husbands work.  She has held a variety of administrative roles, gaining experience across different sectors and getting to know the needs of different communities.  After retirement Marj relocated to Spain for six years and then decided to move back to Yarm in 2016, a place that has truly become home. Marj feels deeply connected to Yarm and its spirit, and she is proud to be part of the community that makes Yarm what it is today.

Marj has various roles within the council and is on the allotments and chapel and cemetery committees, roles which she relishes and thoroughly enjoys.

Steve Dodds

Steve has lived and worked in the area for over 25 years. As an architect, he understands the importance of good design and the impact that overdevelopment can have on the local environment and infrastructure. In his role as Chair of the Planning & Environment Committee, Steve is well placed to help ensure that any future development in and around Yarm delivers genuine benefits for the town. Steve is experienced in working within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects, and these skills will be invaluable as part of the council serving Yarm.

He believes it is important to make a difference, even in the small details, by helping residents with the issues that affect their everyday lives. Steve is committed to giving local people a stronger voice at council level and working towards positive, meaningful change for the community and for Yarm as a whole.

Elaine Dodds

Elaine has lived in the area for over 25 years and, during this time, has built and successfully run her own business. She brings with her extensive experience in chairing social committees, organising events, and fundraising. In her role as Chair of the Staffing Committee, Elaine draws on her invaluable business and HR expertise to support the effective and efficient running of the Council. Her experience of working both independently and as part of a team to deliver events on time and to a high standard will be a significant asset.

Elaine is passionate about being open and approachable, supporting our outstanding local businesses, and championing sustainable growth that benefits the whole community. By listening to residents and working closely with her fellow councillors, Elaine is committed to transparency and to finding practical, down-to-earth solutions that ensure Yarm remains a fantastic place to live, work, and visit.

Steve Nealon

Steve is a recently retired college lecturer, formally training His Majesties forces. Steve holds degrees in both building surveying and teaching.  Steve moved to Yarm five years ago to be nearer to family. Since living in Yarm, he has taken on a directorship of Yarm Bowling Club and is also a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for the Morley Carr Farm estate.
 
With over 50 years in the construction and construction-related industries, Steve wanted to give something back to society, hence becoming a lecturer 15 years ago. Coming up to retirement last year, he was given the opportunity via the Yarm Town Council election process, to channel his energies into serving the community he now calls home.
 
Within Yarm Town Council, his responsibilities are:
Chair of the Leisure and Culture Committee
He also sits on the Planning & Environment committee, and the Yarm Town Hall and Heritage centre committee.

Chris Neil

Chris moved to Yarm in 1972. He ran two major businesses, The George and The Fox Covert,  for 38 years, employing between 60/70 local staff. He was a previous Yarm Town Councillor from 2008 – 2018. Chris has a passion for Yarm and wants it to continue to thrive.  He hopes that the expertise and experience he can bring to the council will help Yarm grow and flourish.

Malcolm Palmer

Malcolm has been a Yarm and Eaglescliffe resident since 1962, when his parents first moved to the area. After spending most of his working life in the Middle East serving the Health, Education and Hospitality sectors, he always kept his home in Yarm – knowing Yarm was where he wanted to spend his retirement.

Now retired and living back in Yarm full time, Malcolm’s wish is to give back to the town that has always held his heart. He is proud to support our community and play his part in helping Yarm continue to thrive.

Malcolm is Chairman of the finance committee on the Council and us responsible, with his other committee members for everyday financial decisions/payments and also setting budgets and keeping financial matters up to date. 

Aiden Pybus

Aiden was born in Yarm, went to school in Yarm and also now works in Yarm.  He is very much a Yarm person and enjoys every aspect of the Town.

On the council Aiden has various roles on different committees including allotments, chapel and cemeteries and the town hall and heritage centre.

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