Zoe was the Mayor of Gosport in 2020 during the pandemic and was first elected in 2016.
Zoe has a 25-year career in education and leadership. With two degrees in teaching and leadership and a background in sports therapy, she empowers individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Zoe's commitment to youth and education is demonstrated through her community roles and previous experience as Head of Learning for a Premier League Football Club and an environmental Charity. Zoe received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding services in Education in the June 2025 King's Birthday honours.
Additionally, Zoe actively supports local businesses and promotes economic growth, through her role with a business action group across the central south.
She also advocates for changes in the apprenticeship funding system. Committed to sustainability, Zoe has led efforts to combat climate change as Gosport Borough Council Climate Change Chair and supports local communities through her charitable work.
Zoe is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a passion for education and community engagement. A lifelong resident of Gosport, Zoe has deep roots in the town and region and a strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her.
Current Community Voluntary Roles
- Chair and Trustee of Multi Academy. Hampshire (Finished June 2026)
- Trustee of Sea Cadets. Gosport
- Non-Executive Director, Business Group. Central South
- Committee Member Friends of Standley Park
Current Political Portfolio
- Conservative Group Leader
- HCC Cabinet: Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health
- GBC: Chair of Policy and Organisation
- Representative to the Alverstoke & Leesland Trust. Alverstoke Church of England.
- Chair of the Ocean. Conservative Friends of the Ocean.
Political Career
- 2026- Leader of Gosport Borough Council
- 2025-2026 Deputy Leader of the Group
- 2022 - May 2026 Member of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, Vice Chair (2023/2024)
- 2024- Jan 2026 HCC Cabinet: Executive Member for 2050; Transformation & People
- 2023. An approved Conservative candidate, the parliamentary candidate's list.
- 2023. Chair of the Council. Conservative Friends of the Ocean.
- 2022. Elected Member for the ward of Alverstoke in Gosport.
- 2021. Association Officer
- 2021. Elected Member of Hampshire County Council (HCC). Division. Leesland & Town
- 2020. Mayor of Gosport
- 2019 & 2021. Deputy Mayor of Gosport
- 2016. Elected Member for the ward of Privett in Gosport
- 2014. Campaigner and Candidate for Leesland ward in Gosport
Key Successes
- Creation of the Gosport Climate Change strategy and action plan 2021
- The Gosport Food Partnership was created during the pandemic to bring resources and people together.
- As mayor during the pandemic, I led the first virtual full council meeting in the town’s history. My purpose and drive are to inspire the next generation and raise aspirations, with key projects associated with food poverty, mental health, and the economy.
- Open letter, on apprenticeship funding to the Education and Skills Minister, 2022.
- Education sector and commercial success: Review of governance, good to outstanding Ofsted, supporting the workforce, skills, and jobs in the region through my non-executive role.
- Written several articles, Blog | Jackshaw Consultancy
