Dear Resident I am standing as your Conservative candidate for the Kent County Council elections this May.

Full statement

I hope to count on your vote. My leaflet tells you about my top priorities, and I am writing to give you a sense of who I am and why I am the best choice to represent you.

My public service started in 2003, and I represented local communities in East Kent as a councillor for thirteen years before spending five years at Westminster as a Member of Parliament. I live in Ashford, and am passionate about using my experience to deliver for you and the county I love.

I have championed British farming for years, hosting a summit on a national food strategy in 2022. I have run my own small business and worked with social enterprises and charities for over thirty years, and I will stand up for those who contribute to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities, including supporting our village pubs and community centres.

As a mother and grandmother, I believe we can do more to support young people’s aspirations My children went to grammar schools (as did I many years ago!) and I will fight to retain Kent grammar schools which this government may abolish in its mission to level down the country! I have also campaigned for years on how we can develop policies to make our communities more age-friendly.

Yours sincerely,
Jo Gideon