Ward by ward: Mark Hall: The weather vane or a signpost?
Politics / Wed 6th May 2026 at 10:08am
THIS is a most mercurial ward of all the wards in Harlow. But in many ways it gives a feel for voting patterns.
You get a sense of restlessness. It is either a classic example of the rational choice model where a lot of people vote according to the political weather of that particular year.
In 2014, UKIP won two seats here, getting 662 and 646 votes.
One UKIP councillor stood down after six months. In the subsequent by-election, Labour won and the number of UKIP votes halved.
Since then the Conservatives have won it by a long way (see 2021). Labour won all three seats in 2024.
Then in a by-election in 2025, Reform won through Paul Jago.
The question is, can Reform build on that?
In many ways they have their strongest candidate in former Conservative councillor, Mark Gough.
If he wins, he will know his way around the chamber and the ins and outs of council life. If they have a few more new councillors, he may well be able to guide them through the first year.
It say something about the present climate that Labour may do well to not come last.
That is no slight on Christine Gallacher.
Christine said: ‘As a long time resident in Harlow, I am very pleased to see the regeneration projects being undertaken around the town.
“It has shown how both Labour and Conservative councillors have worked together for the good of local residents and I sincerely hope this may continue’.
As for the Conservatives. You can read all about the Dan Sword Factor on the previous nine ward by wards. We would be slightly worried if they have put up a paper candidate in such a winnable ward. They have done noting to disabuse us of that notion.
As for the Green candidate. Julie Taylor has undertaken fantastic work as a local resident and campaigner. She has worked so hard in matters such as the garages issue to name just one. Julie would be a superb councillor.
Our interview with her is below. We know democracy doesn’t work like that but it is worth considering.
We just wonder if they get less than 300 votes then where they go from here?
YH Prediction: Reform Gain
Candidates
Result 2025 By-Election
Paul Jago: Reform UK: 505
John Steer: Conservative Party: 424
Christine Gallacher: Labour Party: 350
Julie Taylor: Green Party: 223
Lesley Rideout: Liberal Democrat: 56
Marian Forstner UKIP: 14
Turnout: 27.2%
Majority: 81
David Forman
2026-05-06 10:23:05
To see how hypocritical and moronic Mark Gough is one just has to watch the following video where his usual bombast is on show in full technicolour glory: https://youtu.be/LKDXyGxBeZM?si=6qPM97gbgkDRErgm
ScottH
2026-05-06 12:09:59
Cllr Paul Jago has proven himself a dedicated and hardworking councillor for the people of Mark Hall since his by-election win last May. Despite Julie Taylor's best efforts to occupy the limelight on the Conservative-threatened demolition of local garages, in reality Cllr Jago is the councillor who quietly took the lead role in standing up for the residents affected. Electing As a councillor, Mark Gough will build on the foundation of Paul's hard work for the ward.
Jennifer Steadman Harlow Green Party Chair
2026-05-06 13:15:32
I'll just leave this here for the readers to decide who worked hard for the people of Mark Hall regarding the proposed garages demolition plan. *Julie Taylor attended the meetings. *She took full minutes. *Organised a photo shoot with residents. *Recorded video evidence with a disabled resident who would have been severely impacted by the loss of their garage. *She wrote a letter to the editor of Your Harlow. *Publicised the subject widely. *Wrote numerous emails to Dan Swords. *And asked questions regarding the garages in the chamber! It is also well worthy of adding here that Dan Swords advised that Council protocol has been amended as a result of Julies thorough investigation and reporting. Julie Taylor has always worked hard for the residents of Mark Hall and I am extremely proud of her achievements thus far.
John
2026-05-06 15:34:37
At the meetings I attended re garages Julie certainly was the leader. Have I got it right about Mark, is he on his third party?
Mike
2026-05-06 16:15:29
It seems that Mark Gough likes to shift around as can be seen. Didn't he have an embarrassing incident with pornography on his council laptop after which he was kicked out of the Conservative Party. I heard a rumour to that effect. Maybe he or his leader Scott H could clarify the position.
Dave
2026-05-06 17:16:26
Reform Harlow have such illustrious, upstanding candidates don't they??? 😂😂
Ian H
2026-05-06 17:56:40
I actually think that in Harlow, the Conservatives have a superb leadership and very strong Cabinet. Both Reform and Labour suffer from very poor local leadership who are no match for Dan Swords. I think Paul Jago (Reform) and Jake Shepherd (Labour) as local leaders would be a significant improvement as they are both more substantial and cerebral than with Scott Hegley and James Griggs. Still these are matters they and their members need to resolve. In the meantime, I will remain with the best on offer and vote for the Local Conservatives.
Graham
2026-05-06 18:59:14
Harlow has the best Council I. Over a generation. Whichever party you prefer nationally, this about HARLOW. Whoever wins will not fix the NHS, stop illegal migrant crossing, repair our defences or cut our national debt. What is at stake is our town regeneration, housing repairs, discretionary services, new council house building, local council tax and much else that affect our everyday lives. Let's keep focused on the real local issues and not rock the boat that is steering a great course with Dan Swords at the wheel.
Mark Gough
2026-05-07 00:44:42
Mike you have tried saying this about me several times now, and it's completely incorrect. An email pop-up was opened in error and removed fairly promptly. A Tory colleague tried to make something of it, and they have tried to use it a number of times since I chose to leave them. Harlow Council cleared me 100% very promptly and will confirm nothing was found. No , I don't like to shift around. I left the Tories because I couldn't stand Osbourne or what the Party had become. I joined UKIP and then it destroyed itself. Hence I have found a home with Reform. Best decision I have made in my near 30 years in Politics and am very proud of the team I have helped to build. Harlow Residents can be 100% confident in us. We have experienced Councillors, experienced candidates and people with lots of real business experience and our all real local people. 9 of 11 live in their ward, and the 2 that don't are merely the other side of Southern Way. Unlike the 'Local Conservatives' who can only manage 3 of 11! You can now stop peddling rubbish about me, because it just isn't true! David Foreman - as for me being moronic, come back to me when you are actually fully in position of real facts and have two science degrees like I do, and are actually able to stand for Election. As for Mark Hall Ward, I remind people that the last Tory Councillor left for a safer seat in Great Parndon in 2024, and the sitting Labour Councillor has left for a safer seat in Little Parndon this election. I have lived here for 52 years and am proud to call Mark Hall home. And not just because my name is in it!
Gary N
2026-05-07 08:48:54
That sounds very much like an embarrassing incident with pornography on your council laptop
Harrison Silverbridge
2026-05-07 16:42:53
An email pop-up, is it 2005? Modern email systems don’t just disply images onto a screen without several clicks, previews, downloads or prior interaction. This explanation feels overly convenient. Imappropriate content on an official device would be considered gross misconduct in any other job. Disgusting.
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