John Fareham: A Life in Public Service, Consultancy, and History
In the landscape of British local politics and public service, few figures have combined political dedication, consultancy expertise, and historical authorship quite like John Fareham. With a career spanning nearly four decades in Hull City Council, leadership roles in local governance, and subsequent ventures in planning consultancy and writing, Fareham’s legacy offers a rare blend of political resilience, professional versatility, and intellectual curiosity. This article provides a detailed insight into his career, education, personal life, and achievements, covering all aspects of his journey including his marriage to Dehenna Davison, his authorship, and his consultancy work.
Early Life and Education
University of Hull
Born on 1 June 1958, John Fareham pursued higher education at the University of Hull, where he read History and Politics as part of a Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts. His time at Hull was marked not only by academic growth but also by active involvement in student politics and debate, serving on the Union Council, participating in inter-varsity debates, and engaging with the wider intellectual life of the campus.
University of Huddersfield
Later in his career, Fareham expanded his academic credentials by studying for a Master’s degree in Public Sector Modernisation at the University of Huddersfield (2007–2010). This postgraduate work reflected his commitment to transforming governance and his interest in bridging the gap between theory and practice in public service.
Political Career in Hull City Council
A Longevity of Service
John Fareham dedicated nearly 39 years to Hull City Council (1983–2022). His tenure is among the longest for a Conservative representative in an area traditionally aligned with Labour politics. He served in a wide variety of roles including:
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Group Leader
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Planning Committee Chairman (2002–2010)
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Area Chairman
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Credit Union Working Party Chairman
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Lord Mayor of Hull
Throughout his career, Fareham often found himself the lone Conservative or leader of a small group, yet he developed a reputation for persistence, policy clarity, and an unwavering belief in the value of local government.
Planning Chairman Achievements
As Planning Chairman, he spearheaded reforms to make the planning process more transparent, people-friendly, and business-accessible. Initiatives included pre-application meetings, splitting committee responsibilities, arranging best-practice visits, and improving transparency through online publication of policies. His leadership earned external praise during a period when Hull Council faced government intervention, reflecting his success in restoring credibility to local processes.
Private Sector Engagement
Ashton Jane Ltd
Beyond politics, Fareham managed Ashton Jane Ltd (1983–2010), a company engaged in agricultural and property interests. Initially a family venture, he took sole responsibility following the sudden deaths of his parents.
Ashton Jane Planning Consultancy
Later, he founded Ashton Jane Planning Consultancy, a practice specialising in advising householders and small businesses on navigating council planning procedures. His work combined the insight of a former elected official with the pragmatism of a consultant. He has advised clients in Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Durham, consistently achieving positive outcomes.
KWL Inc.
From 2010 until 2022, Fareham served as a Director and Deputy Chairman of KWL (Kingstown Works Ltd), a construction and maintenance company spun out of Hull Council. His responsibilities included oversight of fleet management and succession planning. KWL was widely recognised for its contributions to the local economy and Fareham’s input was central to its governance and development.
Authorship and Historical Contributions
In addition to politics and consultancy, John Fareham nurtured a passion for history. His published works with Bretwalda Books include:
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A biography of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, leader of the Dambusters raid.
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History of Waterloo Station, an exploration of one of London’s great railway landmarks.
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Contributions to military history, including work on the Battle of Vitoria.
As an historian, Fareham identifies himself as an inveterate user of archives and libraries. While much of his writing is aimed at the general reader, his depth of research and subject knowledge demonstrates his serious academic grounding.
Personal Life
Age
As of 2025, John Fareham is 67 years old, having been born in 1958.
Marriage to Dehenna Davison
In 2018, John Fareham married Dehenna Davison, who would later become the Conservative Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland. Their marriage drew media attention because of their 35-year age difference—he was 59, while she was 24 at the time. Despite the scrutiny, they married with shared political values and ambitions. However, the relationship was short-lived, and the couple separated shortly before the 2019 general election.
Dehenna Davison and John Fareham
The marriage between Dehenna Davison and John Fareham was one of the most widely reported aspects of Fareham’s personal life. Davison went on to build a prominent political career in her own right, serving in government roles before announcing her decision to step back from frontline politics. Fareham, meanwhile, returned his focus to local governance, consultancy, and writing.
Trustee Roles and Civic Duties
Fareham has also held numerous trustee positions in both private and public trusts. His governance responsibilities spanned initiatives with investments from a few thousand to several million pounds. His skills in rebooting struggling committees, policy formulation, and governance have made him a valued figure in charitable and civic boards.
Honours and Awards
In recognition of his decades of service and involvement in university life, John Fareham was made an Honorary Life Member of Hull University Union in 2005. This distinction reflects both his contributions as a student and his later role as a civic leader who maintained strong links with the academic community.
Legacy and Impact
The career of John Fareham is defined by:
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Longevity in public office, serving Hull residents for almost four decades.
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Transformation of planning procedures, introducing reforms that endure today.
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Balance between public and private sector work, demonstrating versatility and grounding.
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Intellectual contributions as an author, ensuring that history remains accessible to the public.
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Personal resilience, continuing to serve despite political opposition, personal challenges, and media attention.
Conclusion
John Fareham exemplifies the archetype of a dedicated public servant who never allowed political headwinds to deter him. His story weaves together local governance, consultancy, authorship, and trusteeship into a life devoted to service and learning. Whether remembered for his reforms to planning in Hull, his published historical works, his leadership at KWL, or his enduring presence in civic life, Fareham remains an important figure in the civic and political fabric of Hull and beyond.
