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Tom Besford is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in both the public and independent sectors. Currently serving as Senior Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons since September 2024, Tom also holds the position of Chief Executive at Sound Roots, an organization focused on supporting the English folk, roots, and acoustic music industry through various initiatives. Elected as a Councillor for the Littleborough Lakeside Ward of Rochdale Borough Council in May 2019, Tom is actively involved in multiple committees and serves as the Chair of both the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Climate Emergency Scrutiny Study Group. In addition to these roles, Tom is a Board Trustee for several organizations, including Groundwork Greater Manchester, MOOREND DEVELOPMENT TRUST LIMITED, and the Littleborough Nursing Association Fund. Tom's professional history also includes freelance work in cultural strategy development and management. An alumnus of Durham University, Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.