I'm Dan Friend, and I'm proud to represent residents across Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and the surrounding villages.

Full statement

I live locally with my wife Megan and our four amazing children, who are at the heart of everything I do. As a father, I know first-hand how vital it is that our communities are safe, supportive, and full of opportunity-for every family, every child, and every future. Family is what grounds me and drives me. Like many local parents, I juggle the daily responsibilities of family life with my work and public service. I know what it's like to navigate local schools, access healthcare, and try to build a better future while managing the cost of living. My family is my biggest motivation, and I bring that same care and commitment to the people I represent.

My personal experience as a parent includes navigating the often complicated world of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). I know how hard it can be to access the right support, to get the right education in place, and to feel heard. I understand the frustration and the fight, and that's why l've made improving SEND provision one of my personal missions. I serve as a governor at Worth Primary School and as a trustee/governor at Great Oaks Small School, an independent specialist school for children with SEND. My involvement there has deepened my commitment to advocating for real, meaningful change-change that gives parents the confidence that their children's needs will be met and their potential fulfilled.

Alongside my work as a councillor, I run my own businesses in IT and consultancy, bringing a practical, solution-focused mindset to everything I do. I've served on Dover District Council and previously on Sandwich Town Council, and I continue to be a trustee of Talk it Out, the Dover District Citizens Advice Bureau, and an Almshouse Charity. I've always believed that leadership should be about service-rolling up your sleeves and getting things done.

I pride myself on being accessible. Whether by phone, email, letter, text, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, or even TikTok-Im always just a message away. I produce a regular email newsletter that reaches over 2,000 residents and I write for community magazines to keep people informed. My Facebook page is a living record of my work— sharing updates, answering questions, and showing both the wins and the setbacks. I believe in being honest, open, and present. When there's an issue, I prefer to go out and see it for myself.

I work hard to support our local economy. As an officer of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, a member of local networking groups, and the founder of the Sandwich is Open business and tourism initiative, I champion our local traders and fight to keep our high streets thriving. I know how tough it is out there for small businesses, and I'll always be in their corner. I don't just talk about problems— tackle them head-on by engaging with residents, gathering information, building support, and standing up for our communities. Whether it's ensuring Tides tennis and gym didn't close for 9 unnecessary months or campaigning for one hour's free parking in our towns, I work with people, not just for them, to get things done.

I was born and raised in Deal & Walmer. If you're local, there's a good chance you know someone with the last name Friend-we've been here a long time. My family's roots run deep in the area-so deep, in fact, that there's even a road named after us. I attended Sandown Primary School and then Castle Community College. My upbringing here shaped my values, and it's a privilege to now give back to the very communities that raised me.

I bring passion, determination, commitment, and drive to everything I do. I want to make life better for families like mine. I want parents of SEND children to feel supported, not sidelined. I want every resident-whether in a village, a town centre, or anywhere in between—to feel like someone is in their corner and fighting their case. That's what I'm here to do, and I won't stop until we get there.