She may only be 29 years of age but Independent councillor Jennifer Kelly brings a wealth of experience as well as a fresh new look to politics in South Kintyre.
Last Thursday, November 2, the Campbeltown lass was elected to Argyll and Bute Council – replacing her father Donald – polling more than treble the number of first preference votes won by the second-placed candidate in the South Kintyre by-election.
She hits the record book on three levels being the youngest; first female; and continuity of family member to represent the ward.
The poll took place following the resignation of Donald Kelly, also an independent councillor, in late August after 20 years as a councillor.
Speaking to the Courier this week Jennifer said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been elected to represent South Kintyre.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, sent messages and helped with my campaign over the last few weeks.
“I am so grateful for all of the support I have received.
Jennifer was also encouraged to see some of the younger electorate turn out to vote in the by-election.
“Some as young as 16 voted for the first time on Thursday,” she said.
“In the current political climate, and the apathy amongst the younger electorate in particular, I believe it is so important to encourage as many young people to vote and have their say.
“Engagement with local politics is what will drive change and I will do my utmost to ensure I engage with my constituents of all ages to represent them and South Kintyre to the very best of my ability over the next three years.”
Among her main priorities, Jennifer has pledged to continue to push for a new primary school for Campbeltown; keep pressure on the council to secure additional cemetery provision for the town; campaign for better travel links to the area by road, sea and air; lobby for investment for much-needed social and affordable housing to be developed in the area and to campaign for upgrades to local play parks to include accessible equipment for all children.
Dad Donald said: “We are all extremely proud of Jennifer.
“She will carry out the role of local councillor in her own way, working for everyone in South Kintyre.
“I know it’s not an easy role but it can be extremely rewarding on many levels. I am confident given time Jennifer will grow into the role and be an excellent ambassador for the area.”
Jennifer currently lives in Campbeltown with her fiancé John.
She attended Drumlemble Primary and Campbeltown Grammar School before leaving to study a BA (Hons) in Law and Politics at the University of Stirling.
After graduating in 2016 she worked part-time as an administrative officer for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service while also waitressing in the Argyll Arms Hotel.
During this time Jennifer began to help out with her family business, Kintyre Vermin Pest Control.
She went on to work for Argyll and Bute Council in a temporary post as a Regulatory Services Officer for the Fraud Team with Trading Standards before working as a Paralegal for local law firm, Stewart Balfour and Sutherland Solicitors.
She undertook and completed a Specialist Qualification in Residential Conveyancing through Central Law Training and a LLB (Bachelor of Laws) through Robert Gordon University while working full time.
Latterly Jennifer worked as a Paralegal for Gilson Gray Solicitors prior to deciding to work full time as a Pest Control Technician in the family business after qualifying with a Level 2 in Pest Management from the Royal Society of Public Health in January 2020.
Councillor Kelly will serve the South Kintyre ward alongside SNP Councillor John Armour and independent Councillor Tommy MacPherson.