Pompey board duo to stand in Trust elections

Of the Trust’s permitted 12-strong board, three places are presently up for grabs.

These are scheduled to be filled during the latest Trust elections, which begin on Friday, August 12.

Nominations are currently open, with those wishing to stand allowed until 6pm on Sunday, July 31 to put forward their name.

Among them will be Brown and Kimbell who, as Trust board members, also serve on Pompey’s eight-man board.

Kimbell’s three-year stint with the Trust has now expired, having been voted onto their board in 2013.

Brown was scheduled to stand for re-election in 2017, however has volunteered to bring it forward 12-months.

By doing so, the Trust chairman has created three vacancies for members to vote on.

The third spot has been occurred following Tom Dearie’s resignation in November 2015.

Clare Martin, Scott Mclachlan, Simon Colebrook and Johnny Ertl are the most recent additions to the Trust board, following elections in September 2015.

As with last year, hustings will take place among candidates, who will again be able to campaign over social media.

And Trust secretary Mark Farwell is keen to build on the strengths of the current Trust board.

He said: ‘Last year was the first under the new rules of campaigning, attracting seven candidates of which four had not previously been involved in the Trust.

‘Those voted on changed the board’s dynamic after a very unpleasant and arduous year which seemed full of firefighting.

‘Scott has put in some energy and helped drive the Next Generation group, while Simon has taken on the vacant treasurer’s role.

‘Johnny is such a popular guy who has brought a little respectability back in our communications with the public, and Clare has been the absolute shining star, bringing the Trust much closer to the community and stakeholders.

‘We are again looking for new blood, especially women, with only two currently on our board.

‘Anybody interested is urged to step forward.’

For more information, visit pompeytrust.com

Results will be declared at the next Trust AGM on Thursday, September 22, to be held at Fratton Park.