Playing a leading part
Cllr Jackie Brockway
From music to meetings and from classroom to council chamber, Cllr Jackie Brockway plays a starring role
You wouldn’t normally throw music, theatre and politics into the same sentence – but for county councillor Jackie Brockway, it’s just the right mix.
Jackie, who represents Saxilby and Nettleham on Lincolnshire County Council, first arrived in the county back in 1992 with her husband Colin, a doctor. After teaching music in schools around Lincolnshire, life took an unexpected turn when she began to experience hearing loss.
While Jackie continued to teach despite this challenge, another opportunity arose to make a difference – and she was happy to pursue it.
In 2007, Jackie stepped boldly into the world of local politics, winning a seat on West Lindsey District Council. Five years later, she was elected to Lincolnshire County Council – and she hasn’t looked back.
But her work isn’t just about meetings and policy papers. Jackie has become a passionate advocate for people living with hearing loss – the very challenge she knows first-hand. She’s even learning sign language so she can communicate more confidently with deaf and hard of hearing residents.
Born in Llanelli, South Wales, Jackie moved to Pembroke aged 7. She went on to study music at the University of Wales in Cardiff. Busy, creative and energetic from day one, she’s never been someone who sits still for long.
That same drive came in handy when she set up and ran her own children’s theatre company, taking a leading role in writing shows, making costumes and composing music.
“When I had the theatre company, I made sure every child in any production had a speaking role. They all had lines to deliver and that was very important to me,” she said.
Work at the county council became more challenging when Jackie became the council’s chief whip – a role which saw her making sure councillors followed the rules, attended meetings and stayed on top of what matters in their communities.
“I loved that role,” she says. “It kept me at the heart of everything – supporting the leader, helping councillors, and always telling truth to power.”
Jackie says she continues to be proud and privileged to have been chosen to represent her residents on the county council.
“When someone puts a cross on a ballot paper, it’s a sacred oath. They’ve put their trust in me, and I’ve always felt deeply honoured by that,” she said.
While hearing loss may have taken her away from teaching music, one thing is clear: when it comes to the needs of her community, Cllr Jackie Brockway is always listening.
