Joanne Ainscough

I was born and raised in Morecambe and am proud to call the Lancaster district home. Professionally, I am Head of Development for a financial technology company, leading teams delivering complex digital solutions. Before moving into technology, I worked in the NHS as a Pharmacy Technician before retraining as a software engineer as a mature student while raising a young family. Throughout my career I’ve been driven by a fascination with how systems work and, more importantly, how they can be improved. That has shaped my work in technology, community organisations and local government. I was elected to Lancaster City Council in 2023 and served as Cabinet Member for Environmental Services. I now serve as Shadow Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and Wellbeing, alongside roles on the Local Government Reorganisation Working Group and Audit Committee. I am also Deputy Chair of the Environmental Committee at Morecambe Town Council and sit on its Budget & Performance and Personnel Committees. Outside politics, I am a Trustee of Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership, a Non-Executive Director of LESS CIC and Secretary of Four Seasons Allotments Association. I enjoy bringing people together to strengthen communities, improve sustainability and deliver practical change. I believe good leadership is about listening, collaboration and solving problems. Whether working in technology, local government or the voluntary sector, my focus is always on making a positive difference for the communities I serve.