Mark Howells
Lliswerry born and bred, with almost thirty years in housing and local government. Mark does the homework, asks the hard questions and follows through.
Mark has lived in Lliswerry all his life and still calls Lysaght's Village home. By day he is a Chartered housing professional, now a director at a Newport-based affordable housing provider, after a career that has taken in Newport City Council, Shelter Cymru and the housing association sector.
Since 2022 he has put that experience to work for residents. As Chair of the Performance and Scrutiny Committee he holds council services to account, and as leader of the Lliswerry Independents he has led the group's alternative budgets and pushed the council for a bolder plan for the city centre.
Mark believes local politics should be about practical results, not point scoring. He shows up, listens, and keeps going until the job is done.
What Mark has delivered
Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour
Brought a notice of motion to full council on anti-social behaviour and crime in Newport city centre, seconded by Allan Morris. It is the issue residents raise with Mark more than any other.
Fair funding for every pupil
Brought a notice of motion, seconded by Andrew Sterry, on Newport's school funding per pupil, which is the lowest in Wales. He wants a plan to close the gap that every future administration is committed to.
Closing the HMO loophole
His motion to join up planning and licensing checks for houses in multiple occupation, and to strengthen powers to remove licences where problems arise, won cross-party support.
Opposing M4 junction closures
Spoke out against proposals to close M4 junctions around Newport, urging the council to shape the city's future rather than wait to be consulted.
Fighting for the Lysaght Institute
Leading the campaign for the Lysaght Institute's future after Codi Group announced it will stop running the venue at the end of 2026, including a public meeting with residents.
£250,000 for Broadmead and Moorland Park
Helped secure an extra £250,000 this year to regenerate Broadmead Park and Moorland Park, on top of the £500,000 No One Left Behind Fund the group created. Residents were consulted at a community day, and their views are going back to the council.
Casework on your doorstep
Taken up residents' concerns on flood risk from dumped trolleys, a community mural, poor broadband, and parking on Walsall Street, where residents backed a petition.
