2025/26
Councillor Naomi Marshallsea
I spent my childhood in Canton, Cardiff. I always loved working with children, and from the young age of 11 volunteered at Barnardo’s Family Centre in Ely, Cardiff, during my school holidays. I taught English in China for a year following University, which gave me the passion to take on a teaching career as well as an understanding of the effects of an undemocratic society, which also inspired my interest in politics.
I trained to be a Primary School Teacher, and left Wales for my first teaching post in London. I taught across the primary years for over 15 years, including some time teaching on a science base in the Philippines, and my last years as part of the leadership team in a large primary school in Brixton, South London. As a teacher, I ensured each child was listened to, respected and supported. I adapted according to the child, as well as their families, and believe those skills will be helpful in the role of Mayor.
I met my husband in London, who coincidentally was from Barry. After having our first son, I persuaded him to relocate back to South Wales, with both sets of our parents now being based in the Vale of Glamorgan. Since moving home, I have worked for Cardiff Council to develop safe routes to school and volunteered with refugee and asylum groups, providing a community for those displaced by war and terror.
When people ask me where I’m from, I’m proud to say “I’m from Barry”. I have lived in other places but the Vale of Glamorgan is my physical and spiritual home. My two children attend the local Welsh medium primary school and we love where we live. As the first mother of young children appointed as Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, I will stand for all women during my term.
There is so much to love in the Vale of Glamorgan - from one of Wales’ first Tiny Forests at Pencoedtre, the UK’s smallest theatre in Barry, Penarth’s pier-side cinema, endless walks on our Glamorgan Heritage Coast as well as our can-do and want-to-do people.
In my time as Councillor of Illtyd ward, I have worked with my local community to regenerate a neglected park. Setting up ‘Friends of Chickenwood’ and seeing the energy with which people came together and make something we could all be proud of, has been incredible and really shown how local communities can make positive change.
I want to spend the year celebrating the fantastic people and places we have in the Vale - I’m so fiercely passionate about helping to make it the best place for everyone to live, work and play.
I stood for election as a Councillor to represent each resident where I live, knowing that each individual should have an equal voice. I hope to champion all people across the Vale for this municipal year.
Issues that are close to my heart:
- Supporting marginalised communities and championing equality and diversity.
- Continued investment and support for education, schools and families.
- Improving and maintaining our beautiful green spaces and increasing biodiversity.
- Tackling our housing and social care crisis, and being an advocate for those in need.