I have been working hard as a borough councillor for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the past two years, and a parish councillor for Cranbrook & Sissinghurst for five years where I have been leading the Neighbourhood Plan project.

Full statement

During this time, I have reached out and listened to residents, businesses, and community groups to ensure our local voices are heard by the councils.

I have also reached out across the party groups in the borough council to try to bridge divides and work collaboratively with other councillors. However, I have found that there are some councillors whom I believe are not working for the best interest of the constituents. They have continually sought to undermine those who have tried to bring forward motions in council meetings which might improve life for residents, make better use of public funds, and ensure transparency in the council. Local councils work best when its representatives are truly working in the interest of their constituents.

If elected as a Kent County Councillor for the Cranbrook division, I will:

SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns which seek to combat mental health problems exacerbated by the pandemic.

CHAMPION THE NEIGHBOURLINESS, volunteering and community initiatives which have been so heartening during the crisis and will help bring people back together safely to enjoy social life in our town and villages.

WORK WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS to encourage participation in civic life to enable young voices to be heard.

TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR locally by listening to residents and businesses and working with the police to enable collaborative solutions to addressing rural crime.

CAMPAIGN FOR SAFER ROADS to enable more sustainable modes of transport to increase our well-being.

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT those engaged in neighbourhood planning.

ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in combatting the climate emergency.