On this page you’ll find more about your Council’s staff and Councillors. Towards the bottom of the page you’ll find some more information on your other local and national representatives (although they aren’t part of the Town Council of course).
The staff organisation chart below should help you see who works for the Council and what they do, but please drop the Town Clerk a note or pop in to the office if you have any questions:
Councillors
Brightlingsea Town Council has twelve Councillors, you can find out a little more about them below.
Town Mayor – Councillor Ric Morgan
📞07810 300018
Richard (Ric) Morgan was co-opted onto the Town Council in 2021, residing and working in Brightlingsea since 1972. He and his wife, Gilly, raised Richie and Charlie at the family house in Regent Road and are very proud of their five wonderful grandchildren.
Personal History
Born in Manchester Richard’s Father Len purchased the Boat Centre on the waterside in 1972, providing a seven day week service to the boating clients and employing many wonderful local people over the years. In 1995 the business moved to the Shipyard Estate to expand the service and build the Brightlingsea Boatyard. Richard retired from the business in 2019 to spend more time with the family.
Richard & Brightlingsea
Richard was initially a Tendring District Councillor and a Brightlingsea Town Councillor in the 80s and 90s, ending up being Mayor during the infamous year of the live animal exports.
“I enjoy committee work, understanding local Issues, seeking solutions, talking and understanding local opinion and finding logical practical solutions for Brightlingsea residents. My goal is to make people feel more connected with the decisions being made around town.”
Deputy Mayor – Councillor Kate Mitchell
📞07885 764148
Kate grew up in Brightlingsea and attended the local schools. She moved away aged 18 to live and work in London but remained connected to the town through family still living here.
Kate returned to Brightlingsea approx 10 years ago and commuted to London for a few years before retiring.
She found complete retirement frustrating and now works part time for an organisation supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Kate was co opted onto the council in March 2024.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to being the voice of the residents of Brightlingsea, making a positive difference to keep this lovely town the wonderful place it’s is to live.”
Councillor Dave Atkinson
Councillor Mick Barry
📞07977 642454
📧Email Cllr Barry
Councillor Simon Burwood
📞07962 103710
📧Email details to follow
Councillor John Carr
📞07802 243467
Councillor John Carr was brought up in Thorrington having moved there from Kenya at the age of 10. He was elected to Brightlingsea Town Council in May 2018 with a strong passion to promote outdoor activities and commitment to the community.
Personal History
John was employed as a Professional Photographer for over 45 years and recently retired as the Photographer for the Royal College of Surgeons.
John & Brightlingsea
John served as a Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioner for two terms of 4 years and regularly sails within the Thames Estuary promoting our town and harbour. He has a strong desire to maintain and improve local facilities, improve connectivity within the town along with better opportunities for younger people.
Councillor Jayne Chapman
Councillor Leanne Crozier
📞Please contact the Parish Hall on 01206 303535
📧Email details to follow
Councillor Jean Howard
Councillor Chris Paveley
Councillor Kerry Pentney
Councillor Graham Steady
📞07771 760871 / 01206 304389
Councillor Steady is a born and bred local, going through the local education system as his three children who also went through the local youth organisations.
Personal History
Graham’s working life was spent in a sales environment, ending with his own agency selling toys into the retail sector.
Graham – Brightlingsea
I am passionate about all things Brightlingsea, I have represented Brightlingsea at football, cricket and bowls. I am a past Chairman of the Football Club and the Friends of All Saints Church and Mayor three times. It is an honour to be a Town Councillor, but even more so as I am born and bred Brightlingsea.
District Councillors
Tendring District Council is the next layer of government ‘up’ from Brightlingsea Town Council.
TDC looks after many local services such as deciding upon Planning Applications, providing recycling and waste collections and social housing.
You can find out more about who makes up TDC here, but Brightlingsea has three elected District Councillors:
Mick Barry (Independent)
Phone: 07903 137423
Email: Email Cllr Barry
Jayne Chapman (Independent)
Phone: 01206 303012
Email: Email Cllr Chapman
Graham Steady (Independent)
Phone: 07771 760871
Email: Email Cllr Steady
County Councillor
Above the district council comes the county council: Essex County Council.
The elected representative for Brightlingsea is:
Councillor Aimee Keteca
Member of Parliament
Representing the Harwich and North Essex constituency in Parliament is:
Sir Bernard Jenkin (Conservative)
Email: Email Sir Bernard Jenkin
