Our ward has expanded and now contains the parishes of Brenchley & Matfield, Horsmonden, Lamberhurst, and Goudhurst. Three Councillors will be elected, and one Parish (as a minimum) will not be represented at TWBC.
I grew up in the Brenchley and Matfield parish and have lived here for the past 20 years. Professionally, I work as a campaign manager and political consultant nearby in Paddock Wood, which gives me a strong knowledge of the decisions that affect our everyday lives.
Our villages face huge challenges, from ongoing concerns about rural commuting and road safety, to the incoming Local Plan. The Lib-Dem/Tunbridge Wells Alliance/Labour proposed Local Plan if passed in its current form, will not give the Borough a five-year housing supply. There will be a call for sites as soon as it is passed. Developers will put a blight over plots in our villages. We must have local representation for our parishes and so far, I am the only known candidate from Brenchley and Matfield.
I am a strong believer in the principle of infrastructure before development and will fight against the overdevelopment of our villages.