Councillor Gemma Turrell lives in Shortlands on Beckenham Grove with her husband and her two beloved cats Odysseus and Phryne. Gemma had the honour of being elected to represent Shortlands and Park Langley ward on Bromley Council in a by-election in May 2024.
Since being elected Gemma has enjoyed getting stuck into working for her residents and flying the flag for all things Shortlands & Park Langley, from putting Shortlands Village on the bus map to tackling flytipping and, ensuring that projects within the ward receive grant funding; Gemma will always champion Shortlands & Park Langley as in her own words ‘It’s the best ward in London’s best borough’.
Gemma first moved to London in 2010 when she was the first in her family to go to University. Following University Gemma has built a career in Healthcare Administration. Gemma’s passion for healthcare has also stretched to the council where she proudly serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee and, Adult Care & Health Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee.
Gemma has also found a zest for planning since being a councillor and serves on the Development Control committee. Upon her election in 2024, Gemma was appointed as the Assistant Executive Member for Environment, where she oversaw the desilting of Kelsey Park, improvements to Fix My Street amongst other projects. She left the role in 2025 to become Deputy Mayor of the borough.
Outside of being a councillor Gemma loves walking around the wonderful Green Belt in Bromley and beyond, alongside history, visiting castles, attending exhibitions and reading. Since becoming Deputy Mayor for the Borough in the 2025/2026 municipal year Gemma has found a passion for playing bowls (badly) and hopes someone will let her join their club!
