Ascension Island Government

Island Council

The Ascension Island Council is an elected body that provides advice to the Administrator on matters relating to the governance of Ascension Island. As a result of changes in the constitutional arrangements for Ascension Island, the first Island Council of seven members was elected and took office on 01 November 2002.

Alan Nicholls

Since 8 July 2025

Alan was born on St Helena in 1957 and moved to Ascension Island in early 2006 where he worked for the Ascension Island Government in Human Resources. Alan retired from his position in 2016. Prior to moving to Ascension, Alan worked for the St Helena Government for over 30 years. When he left SHG in 2006 he held the position of Crown Prosecutor, Legislative Drafter and head of the Government’s Legal, Lands and Planning Department. Other than being an Island Councillor, Alan is currently also involved with the Islander newspaper and is a Lay Minister in St Mary’s Parish. He is in a long-term relationship with his partner and has a 25 year old son.

Ethan Bally

Since 8 July 2025

Ethan Bally

Ethan grew up in the UK, spending 18 years in Birmingham, followed by an independent move to Manchester to study Business Management at University. He worked multiple roles within sales and business development. Late 2023, at 24 Ethan moved to Ascension Island where he works as a storekeeper at Ascension Island Government. He's now been here 2 years and considers Ascension Island his favourite place. His hobbies include football, walks/hiking and snorkelling.

Eugene Bennett

Since 8 July 2025

Eugene Bennett

Eugene was born and raised on St Helena and has lived on Ascension Island since 2004. He brings a strong technical and operational background to the Island Council, with over 20 years of experience in mechanical engineering and utilities management. He is currently employed as Mechanical Team Leader with Encompass, where he oversees the maintenance and performance of essential island infrastructure.
Eugene is passionate about serving the community and ensuring that local voices are heard, valued, and reflected in government decision-making. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, mechanical projects, and spending time with his family.

Laura Shearer

Since 20 October 2022

Laura Shearer

Laura was born in the outskirts of Glasgow and has worked with seabirds for over 10 years since graduating with an MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. Laura has been on Ascension for 7 years and works for the Ascension Island Government Conservation Directorate as the Coastal Reserves Manager/Seabird Scientist. In her spare time, Laura volunteers with the Sea Rescue team, is a keen SCUBA diver and coaches football for local teenagers.

Michael Ellick

Since 8 July 2025

Michael Ellick has been living on Ascension Island for the past four years with his wife Chelsea, their 7-year-old daughter, a son nearly one year old, and a third child due in September. He first arrived on the island in 2009 as a teenager, working for the Ascension Island Government and later CSR at the US Base. After a period in St Helena starting in 2016, Michael returned to Ascension Island in 2021 with his family. He currently works as a rigger for Encompass and serves as an auxiliary member of the Ascension Island Land and Sea Rescue. In his free time, Michael enjoys activities related to the ocean, motorcycle riding, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Thomas Barnes

Since 8 July 2025

Thomas Barnes

Tom was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in Gibraltar, Germany and England. He was a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy for 5 years before working as a civilian biosecurity engineer. Tom has been on island since 2020 and works for Mitie, initially as a fuel fitter, and now as a fuels project manager. In his free time he is a keen nature photographer and drone pilot, and enjoys diving, fishing and spending time with his long-term partner.

Thomas Hickling

Since 8 July 2025

Councillor Bio coming soon