Diane Furlong served as Mayor of Gosport from May 2018 to May 2019 She has lived most of her life in Hardway, attending Elson and Brune Park schools, as did her twin sons. She is a retired Civil Servant, her first job having been at Priddys Hard Armament Depot. As a mature student, Diane gained a BA (Hons) in Public Sector Studies, studying part-time at Portsmouth University while still working full-time. Diane is retired but Is Minutes Secretary for The Gosport Society, and invigilates exams on a casual basis. She Is a Truste3e on the Board of Level Up Gosport Charity and assists at Heritage Open Days.
Diane first served as Conservative Councillor for Hardway from 1983 to 1987 and has always maintained an interest in local issues and has been an avid supporter of achieving what is best for Hardway and Gosport and its residents. As Mayor Diane was proud to support the Town, and its Residents and to promote Gosport to anyone who would listen. She continued to support ward residents during her busy tenure as Mayor, and although not currently a Councillor continues to try and assist anyone requiring help.
Diane fully supports the Borough in bringing investment, jobs, regeneration, and conservation to Gosport and believes that our town is proving attractive to employers who are helping to redress the move of the many military staff who have moved. She believes job creation is vital to reducing out-commuting from and lowering vehicles having to move in and out of Gosport. Diane is also fully supportive of all endeavours to stop building on the strategic gap in Newgate Lane which, unfortunately, is being thwarted by the allowing of appeals at this time.
Whilst we need to build homes for people, Diane supports utilising Brownfield (previously built on) sites where we can rather than spoiling our areas of natural beauty. Being a densely urbanised area it is important to keep our green and open spaces. Diane has supported the work of the Wombles since its inception and appreciates all the work they do.
