The Life and Career of John Fareham: A Journey Through Public Service and Consultancy
John Fareham, born around 1959 (aged approximately 66 as of 2025), is a well-known figure in the Kingston upon Hull area, recognized for his extensive career in public service, political contributions, and consultancy expertise. With over three decades of experience in local government, John Fareham has played a significant role in policy formulation, planning, and governance. Additionally, he has made a mark in historical research and writing. This article explores his life, professional journey, and his personal relationships, including his marriage to Dehenna Davison.
Who is John Fareham?
John Fareham is an experienced former public servant, public sector transformation specialist, planning consultant, and author. Over the years, he has developed a strong reputation for his work in governance, local policy development, and consultancy services. His expertise lies in transforming processes, managing public reputations, and leading clear policy initiatives.
John Fareham’s Political Career
Hull City Council Tenure
John Fareham served on the Hull City Council for nearly 39 years (1983 – 2022), holding multiple leadership positions. As a Conservative councillor in a predominantly Labour-leaning council, he faced several challenges but remained committed to his role in improving local governance. Some of his key roles included:
- City Council Group Leader (1987 – 2022)
- Planning Chairman (2002 – 2010)
- Lord Mayor of Hull
- Chairman of various committees, including Culture Scrutiny and Overview and Scrutiny Management
During his time in office, he introduced pre-application planning meetings, streamlined policy decision-making processes, and led the transformation of planning services to become more business and community-friendly.
Contributions to Planning and Consultancy
Alongside his political career, John Fareham established himself as a planning consultant, working through Ashton Jane Planning Consultancy. Since 2010, he has been involved in advising clients on planning applications, navigating local government regulations, and ensuring smooth development processes. His consultancy work spans Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Durham, where he has been instrumental in helping small businesses and householders interface with councils.
Director at KWL (2010 – 2022)
John Fareham was also a director at KWL, a construction and housing maintenance company spun out of the Hull City Council’s direct service organization. His responsibilities included fleet management, succession planning, and ensuring the company’s operations aligned with public interest.
John Fareham’s Education and Academic Background
John Fareham holds multiple degrees that reflect his commitment to academic excellence and governance.
Educational Qualifications
- University of Hull – Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in History & Politics (1976 – 1979)
- University of Huddersfield – Master’s degree in Public Sector Modernisation (2007 – 2010)
His academic background provided a strong foundation for his work in governance, history, and consultancy.
John Fareham’s Personal Life and Marriage to Dehenna Davison
Marriage to Dehenna Davison
In 2018, John Fareham married Dehenna Davison, a rising star in British politics and a member of the Conservative Party. Their relationship attracted media attention due to the significant age gap of 35 years between them. Their wedding was even featured on the Channel 4 documentary “Bride and Prejudice,” showcasing their unconventional romance and the challenges they faced from their families and friends.
Separation and Divorce
Despite their high-profile wedding, the couple separated before the 2019 general election. While the exact reasons for their separation were not publicly disclosed, Dehenna Davison later came out as bisexual in 2021, becoming the first openly bisexual female Conservative MP.
John Fareham’s Work as an Author
Apart from his contributions to governance and consultancy, John Fareham has also made a mark in historical writing. His works primarily focus on military history, British political developments, and historical biographies.
Notable Books by John Fareham
- “Heroes of the RAF – Guy Gibson VC”
- “The History of Waterloo Station”
- “The Battle of Vitoria” (part of the “Battles” series)
His passion for history is evident in his meticulous research and ability to present complex events in an engaging manner. He continues to contribute to the field through both published works and ongoing research.
John Fareham’s Legacy and Impact
John Fareham’s career has been a blend of public service, planning consultancy, historical research, and governance transformation. His 39-year tenure in local government has left a lasting impact on Hull’s political and planning landscape.
Key Contributions:
- Transformed Hull’s planning policies to be more business and community-friendly
- Introduced best-practice strategies for local governance and urban development
- Published historical books that contribute to British military history
- Mentored and advised small businesses on planning applications and council procedures
Conclusion
John Fareham is a multifaceted individual whose career spans public service, planning consultancy, and historical writing. From serving as a Hull City Councillor for nearly four decades to advising on planning policies and publishing historical books, he has made a significant impact in various fields.
While his marriage to Dehenna Davison brought media attention, his legacy remains tied to his work in governance and urban planning. His journey serves as a testament to the importance of dedication, adaptability, and a passion for service.
