Town Councillors
highworth town councillors
Julie Murphy
Mayor/Chairman
I have proudly called Highworth home since 1971, when my father, a senior Concorde engineer, was based at Fairford. I attended Westrop Primary School and later Warneford School, and I went on to raise my own family in the town. My professional career has included a range of management roles across both the private and public sectors. Today, I run my own driver training and road safety business. Since being elected as a Councillor in 2019, I have had the privilege of serving the community as Deputy Mayor and Chair from 2020 to 2022, Mayor and Chair from 2022 to 2023 and 2024 to 2027 being recently re-elected. I also chair the Planning Committee and the Neighbourhood Plan and sit on all council committees. I am deeply committed to representing residents, preserving the character of Highworth, and helping ensure the town continues to thrive for future generations.
07803 602 568
Ian Durnin-Duffy
Deputy Mayor/Chairman
I've lived in Highworth for nearly 18 years now, having lived previously in many different places and countries. Love Highworth and all it has to offer to its residents. Would like to help continue the great things the Council does already for the town. Married with 3 grown up children. Love live music and sport and was very sporty before I got old!
07821 937159
Maxine Apps
I have lived in Highworth since 2001 and have, together with my husband Simon, raised our family here. I work for the NHS, focussed on children’s health. I love living in Highworth. I love the history, the market, the High Street and local businesses, the open spaces, and I love its people and sense of community. Highworth has shaped my family, and I want to help shape the town for residents now and in the future. I can be found in the Market Square most Saturdays, along with other town councillors, where I am happy to listen to residents' concerns and help where I can.
07920 062905
Simon Apps
I moved to Highworth in 1988 and have three grown up children, all of whom attended Highworth schools. I am a photojournalist and run a national PR photo agency. As a town councillor, I am truly independent, without any political affiliations and always prioritise and promote the interests of our community. I am always happy to have a chat with residents, listen to opinions, concerns and fresh ideas and most weeks I can be found at the Saturday Market for a face-to-face chat. I also welcome contact by email. First elected to HTC in 2023, I have served on all committees and have been the lead councillor on improving the mobile network coverage within the town and installing EV chargers in the town’s car parks. I have a special interest in protecting the environment, reducing pollution, increasing recycling opportunities and am the HTC representative for the Wiltshire Nature Recovery Strategy.
07850 468095
Theresa draper
I have lived in Highworth since January 2022. I love living in Highworth and value the facilities and the strong sense of community that is found here. I would like to make sure that Highworth continues to have opportunities for the town to flourish and grow, giving all the age groups a town that serves all their needs. I volunteer at an animal sanctuary, a care home and at the Chippenham Folk Festival. I am looking forward to volunteering here and being able to serve the people of this lovely town.
flossy freeman-inglis
I am a third generation Highworth Resident and have lived here all my life. We run a family and I am an agricultural valuer. I provide policy advise on planning, water and residential tenancy matters. I care about Highworth and want to see the right development in the right place.
Nick Gardiner
I have had the privilege of serving as a Highworth Town Councillor for the past 11 years, and as Borough Councillor for Blunsdon and Highworth for the past three years. I now represent the new Blunsdon ward as Borough Councillor. I particularly enjoy supporting Highworth’s many excellent community events, including May Day and the Christmas lights switch-on, which bring residents together and showcase the town’s strong community spirit. I am also a trustee of Highworth Recreation Ground, helping to support and protect this valued local facility for residents and visitors. From a borough perspective, I have a particular interest in highways and local infrastructure, and I am keen to ensure that residents’ concerns are heard and followed up wherever possible.
paul heaton
I have been a Highworth resident since 2002 with a Military and Commercial Aviation background. For the last 11 years I have been an online retail business owner based here in Highworth. As a family we initially fell in love with 'The Highworth Community' and with the town’s ongoing exponential expansion, I feel we must ensure Highworth’s strong community spirit and vibrancy are not diluted but continue to flourish for our future generations. As a true Independent and with no political affiliation, I will support all proposals that serve in the best interests of our wonderful Town and its residents.
07961 488244
Anthony Houghton
I am a professional Data Architect working for a Research and Innovation organisation in Swindon. I have lived and worked for various companies in and around Swindon for over 30 years. As a resident of Highworth I am committed to improving where I live, not only for me, but for the benefit of everyone who is fortunate enough to live here. Currently I am part of the team running the Highworth Community Centre probably the largest if not the most successful community centre in Swindon, which is a great asset to Highworth. I wish to ensure that Highworth prospers and grows as a healthy nurturing environment for the future of my children and my grandchildren, who live and go to school here. You will find me, alongside other Highworth Town councillors, in the market square every Saturday, listening to local resident concerns, and helping where we are able.
07880 793062
Natalie Key
I live in Highworth with my partner and 3 young children. I am committed to making Highworth the best it can be and giving back to the community.
07971 485359
vijay manro
I’ve proudly lived in Highworth for over 25 years and am committed to protecting the character, green spaces, and community spirit that make our town unique. With more than 35 years’ experience as a civil engineer working with highway authorities, I bring practical expertise in transport, road safety, flooding, and infrastructure. I believe in delivering sensible solutions that improve everyday life for residents. Alongside my engineering career, I serve as a magistrate, where fairness, balance, and listening carefully are essential to every decision. Over the past five years, I’ve worked hard for local residents — improving safety outside schools, supporting people with casework, and pushing for stronger neighbor hood policing and better communication from Wiltshire Police. I’m committed to protecting Highworth’s green spaces and ensuring development is properly planned, with the right infrastructure and services in place. My priorities are clear: safer streets, reliable services, support for local businesses, action on flooding, and infrastructure that keeps pace with housing growth. Keep Highworth green. Keep Highworth moving. Keep Highworth ours.
07545 429367
ken saunders
I have resided in Highworth for nearly 50yrs. Been a councillor for 7 years serving on all of the committees, Chaired the Environment and Leisure committee and other committees including the Old Golf Course sub-committee. Been deputy Mayor and actively involved in council events within the town. I have been involved in conservation on and off throughout my life and remain an active member of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, The Woodland Trust and Pentylands Country Park. Highworth has a phenomenal Community Spirit and is the Jewel in the Crown of the Borough. I believe it is so exceptionally special we should fight to retain its unique Historical setting, its historic buildings, atmosphere, Market place and exceptional views. Together with its setting and visibility in the landscape being the Highest Town in Wiltshire.
01793 763071
Steve weisinger
I have lived in Highworth for 33 years, having moved here from Cardiff. I have been a Highworth Town Councillor since 2000 and a Swindon Borough Councillor since 2012. I have had the privilege of being Mayor of Highworth twice. Both of my children went to School in Highworth. I love music and have recently taken up bowls. I will continue to do my best for the residents I represent.
Richard Williams
I have been a councillor for the last 4 years and have attended 98% of relevant meetings. I was proud to serve as Mayor between 2020-2022. I am Chair of trustees at the Recreation Centre as well as being the official Town Crier. You can also find me behind the sweet stall on a Saturday where I will be happy to discuss any issues you may have.
paul wood
I have proudly lived in Highworth for 2 years and am passionate in becoming an active and supportive member of the community. Having served 22 years in the British Army, I bring a strong sense of dedication, teamwork and public service to the role of Town Councillor. Having lived in many places throughout my military career I am looking forward to building lasting connections within Highworth and help the town to thrive. I am a strong supporter of local businesses and supporting the local economy. I fully support the fight to protect the OGC and committed to listening to residents and representing residents’ view fairly. I hope to make a positive contribution to the Town Council to support the community and future of Highworth.
07867 421299
