Jeremy Kent is the Welsh Conservative Candidate for Gresford East and West.
Early Life
Jeremy grew up in a small village between Holywell and Prestatyn, with his mother and 2 older siblings. Jeremy attended a local primary school and latterly Prestatyn High School where he left in 2004 after studying A Levels in History, ICT and Business. During this period, Jeremy was involved in several community groups and set up a number of school clubs. Jeremy achieved several awards for his community involvement.
Jeremy began studying Business at the University of Hertfordshire. During this period Jeremy worked part time for a national hospitality company, who offered him a place on their management progression scheme. Jeremy returned home to the North Wales area to complete the management training in the company's Wrexham restaurant. This is where Jeremy fell in love with the town and its people.
Jeremy chose to buy a home in Wrexham and has lived in the town since.
Employment
Jeremy has gained skills and experiences in a range of settings, including the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Raised with a strong work ethic, Jeremy began part time work at the age of 16 for a large clothing retailer, working his way up to Head Cashier and Supervisor. After 4 years Jeremy left to pursue a management training course in his other employment.
Jeremy worked for a large hospitality company, and undertook his management training in their Wrexham restaurant where he later became the General Manager, following a small number of management secondments, Jeremy chose to leave the hospitality trade after nearly 10 years.
In 2013, Jeremy began working with a number of schools for pupils with additional educational needs. Jeremy obtained a full time position at his former secondary school working with pupils in need of additional support, and was a short time later appointed as a cover teacher, responsible for the delivery of various subjects and lessons. Jeremy was a pastoral tutor for students in years 12 and 13, as well as holding several other secondary duties.
In early 2017, Jeremy left this role and started as the Development Manager at a youth charity on a short term contract, working to support community groups. Jeremy was responsible for ensuring groups were compliant with national regulations and supporting elements of governance to ensure these community groups and charities were sustainable and able to offer their services.
Towards the end of 2018, Jeremy began working for the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association heading up the Government's Cadet Expansion Programme for the North West. Jeremy works with schools in a wide range of areas to provide life changing opportunities to pupils through the Combined Cadet Force.
Community Involvement
From an early age, Jeremy has been passionate about helping and providing opportunities to others.
Jeremy was in a number of clubs and groups throughout school, including the school newspaper, school radio, arts festival and a founding member of the peer support group.
Throughout his school life, Jeremy was a member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and upon reaching the upper age limit, returned as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and was commissioned into the Volunteer Reserve (Training) Branch of the Royal Air Force in 2010. Jeremy ran his former unit for several years, providing opportunities for many young people over the years. In addition Jeremy was responsible for the delivery of sports and music across the North Wales area. In 2019, Jeremy was promoted to Squadron Leader and appointed as the senior officer for the Wrexham area and oversees the three units in the Wrexham Local Authority area. Jeremy also holds responsibilities across North Wales and is a wellbeing and resilience instructor.
Jeremy is the local representative for the American Institute of Foreign Study and supports young people in taking part in cultural exchange visits to the United States, mainly working on summer camps. Jeremy has done this since 2007, following his second summer working on a camp for children with autism.
Jeremy is a School Governor at Ysgol Bryn Alyn in Wrexham and is the Chair of the Student and Staff Welfare committee. Jeremy is also the Governor with responsibility for Additional Learning Needs.
Jeremy is a trustee of an Anti-Bullying charity and also sits on the board of directors for another charity in the Wrexham area.
Jeremy regularly assists at the Catrin Finch Mass Vaccination Centre in Wrexham.
Political Life
Jeremy joined the Conservative party in 2018. He stood as a candidate in the Gwersyllt North by-election at the start of 2020. Jeremy became the Chairman of Wrexham Conservative Association in March 2020.
Jeremy was selected as the Welsh Conservative Candidate for Wrexham in the Senedd elections in 2021. Increasing the overall number of votes and vote share.
Jeremy was keen to see someone who lives in Wrexham and knows the area be selected and wants to work hard to deliver the long lasting positive changes that the people of Wrexham deserves.
In October 2021, Jeremy was successfully elected as County Councillor for Gresford East and West on Wrexham County Borough Council with 351 votes (42%) and is seeking re-election in the upcoming Local Elections on the 5th of May.
Personal Life
Jeremy lives in Wrexham.
Jeremy likes to spend time with friends, family and his pets.
In his spare time Jeremy enjoys walking, taking part in long distance walking challenges.
