Hasting Council - Candidates list

Here is our list of candidates for the forthcoming election on 3rd May 2018 for Hastings Council. Click here for photos

Ashdown Ward

Robert Wakeford: Robert works in London and commutes every day. He is married with two young children. He wishes to see greater public participation and higher standards in planning.

Lindsey Fellows: Lindsey is a teacher at the Hastings Academy. She would hope to redress some of the inefficiencies of the current Labour Council administration. She would work towards a solution for the dirty streets in the town. Lindsey would like to see a sensitive but practicable solutions to the street drinker problem. She would also like to see improvements to local social housing provision and more Council-inspired apprenticeships.

Baird Ward

John Faulkner: John is a qualified accountant, who now works part time at part of the University of London. He has previously been a Councillor in another borough where he was the Liberal Democrat finance spokesman for eight years. If elected he would work to support continuing Liberal Democrat efforts to ensure that the Council is run in an efficient manner. John's particular concern is the environment, especially the transition to a non-fossil fuel economy.

Sue McDougall: After a varied career as a journalist, civil servant and business consultant, Sue went back to university, graduating with an MA in fine art from Brighton in 2015. She now works as an artist. Sue is passionate about promoting opportunities for young people in the borough. She wants to ensure that all children have the opportunity to study art and music. She believes that the provision of quality out-of-school activities not only help children achieve their potential but can lead to a reduction in crime. She opposes the closure of libraries and thinks it vital that our parks and green spaces are maintained.

Braybrooke Ward:

Jason Brooker: Jason is the Head of Environment for Govia Thameslink Railway and a former Royal Marines Commando. He is a volunteer instructor in the Royal Marines Cadets and is married with two young children. Jason has a keen focus on sustainable practice and how environmental, social and economic decisions are made locally. He would particularly like to see improvements in the way waste is reduced and managed; and the availability of green options to Hastings residents.

Michael Davies: Not available for personal reasons.

Castle Ward:

Nick Perry: Nick has lived in Castle Ward for over 10 years and works in mental health care (often based at Cavendish House on the seafront). He has a strong record of action in, and caring for, Castle Ward. He will continue to campaign for a greener, better-designed and better-connected Town Centre; will lobby for more and better-quality social housing provision; will work to deliver the Greenway linear park; and will provide effective scrutiny of the Labour Council.

Stewart Rayment: Stewart has worked in Castle ward for many years and crosses the ward, almost daily, keeping his eyes open for issues that affect its well-being. The regeneration of Queen's Road and the Borough's inadequate waste disposal policies (he was formerly a councillor on the London Waste Regulation Authority) concern him. Labour's hostility to the general public in planning matters is highly suspicious and is something a Liberal Democrat council would change. Stewart runs a trademark & patent consultancy, particularly helping small businesses in Hastings in what are now, uncertain times as Brexit questions the scope of these rights.

Central St Leonards Ward:

Stephen Milton: Stephen has two daughters and has lived in St Leonards for 29 years. He is managing director of a local company which implements business IT projects and provides documentation services for the construction industry. Stephen is also Chair of the Hastings Humanists and, when he finds time, enjoys walking, playing table tennis in the local league and keeping track of the latest scientific developments. He wants to see the Council supporting the town's economic base as a means to transform it into one of the top places to live and work on the South East coast of England.

Tony Seymour: Tony cares passionately about East Sussex; St Leonards in particular being a great place to live. He was brought up in the area and has worked in the town and locally for 25 years. Tony wants to see improved amenities and jobs for young people in the area. He also wants to see the local environment protected and improved.

Conquest Ward:

Margaret Burns: Margaret has for many years campaigned with the Friends of Conquest Hospital, most recently seeking funding for new MRI equipment. Margaret is appalled by the wastage of limited funds, both by ESCC and by the local Labour Council where, regrettably, the few Conservative opposition Councillors seem ineffective in holding the council to account. She believes that the limited funds received from the ratepayers and from the government could be much better spent to improve the lives of the community and the opportunities for everyone in Hastings

Ian Bunch: Ian runs a small company on the Castleham Industrial Estate and has lived in Hastings and the surrounding area for most of his life. Ian tries to be a keen environmentalist and is a regular walker in St Helens Woods. He believes that one of the main problems with Hastings Council is not inadequate funding; although that is a problem; but it is more a case of poor use of limited resources and getting the short-straw regarding funding from Central Government. Ian wants to see more focus on improved waste collection, recycling and public transport. He also believes the Council planning strategy needs to become much more transparent.

Gensing Ward:

Sue Tait: Sue is an ex-nurse who has lived in St Leonards for 12 years. Sue now works with her husband David in their own business. She does volunteer work with disadvantaged teenagers. She is an active member of Markwick Gardens. Sue wants to work to get a more democratic and accessible Council. She wants, in particular, to see improvements in the planning process. Sue wants to see cleaner, safer pedestrian areas.

Lee Grant: Lee began his career as a mental health professional and worked as a cognitive behavioural therapist and a service manager for the NHS in primary and secondary care. He founded and is now clinical director for Efficacy providing independent cognitive behavioural therapy to individuals and groups. Lee is a lecturer practitioner at Kings College London and provides post-graduate training to mental health professionals.

Hollington Ward:

Anne Gallop: Not available for personal reasons.

Mike Lushington: Mike is a retired Marketing and Training executive from the Pharmaceutical industry. He now lives in Upper Maze Hill. As a father of three and a Grandfather of seven, he passionately believes in the younger generation. It is they who will ultimately take on this country and world from us and it is therefore education and upkeep of the environment that are the two most important aspects of our democracy that we can hand on to them. Maze Hill has a large number of old Victorian properties which need upkeep, but those that are beyond recall should make way for modern accommodation. If elected Mike intends to make this happen.

Maze Hill Ward:

Paul Hunt: Paul Hunt is a recently retired school chaplain who has also served as Priest to HM the Queen. He has known the town since childhood and is aware of the need to preserve our local history as well as to plan sensitively for the future. "St. Leonards has a distinct identity and history from Hastings and this must be recognised more by the Council, especially in planning. Real partnership with civic and residents' groups is the key." Paul Hunt has lived in West Hill Road for over ten years and is a Freeman of the City of London.

Chris Lewcock: Chris is a retired university lecturer, research manager and town planner. He is a former Kent County Councillor. He wishes to see improvements in the quality and amount of housing to meet local needs; greater attention to detail and quality in Council handling of major projects; and more responsiveness to local concerns in Planning. Chris wants greater emphasis placed on the protection and better use of Hastings and St Leonards' great historic and architectural assets, to support local employment and prosperity. He supports the campaign for a Glyne Gap station.

Ore Ward:

Kate Tudgay: Kate is married, has lived in Hastings 20 years and is now retired. She was an administrator in the financial services industry and then in adult education. Kate took art studies and exhibited at Hastings College. She now does voluntary work, including with her local residents' association and the Stables Theatre. Kate thinks that action is needed to reverse neglect in many areas: road repairs, planning, regeneration, environment, recycling, street cleaning and lighting, the arts (including St Mary-in-the-Castle as an arts centre), libraries and the Museum. Kate wishes to see more support for sustainable business development and public health.

Katy Hunter-Burbridge: Katy is a retired voluntary sector worker - having worked for Hastings Voluntary Action for some years. Since retiring she has worked in a voluntary capacity for various local charities, such as Homestart, Age UK and the Cinnamon Trust. Katy also works part-time as a local taxi driver. If elected she would like to concentrate her energies on campaigning against 'zero hours' contracts, which are used by several local businesses. In addition, Katy feels passionate about the promotion of the local Hastings & Rother Credit Union - as a counter to the power and influence of the global banking systems, which does not serve the best interests of the individual and local communities.

St Helens Ward:

Emlyn Jones: I am a retired local GP and have lived and worked within the Hastings Borough for 39 years. I have been attracted towards a socially responsible politics since a teenager and have voted for the Liberal Party followed by the Liberal Democrat Party since voting age. I joined the Lib Dems after the disastrous 2015 general election when I felt that there was quite an unfairly negative campaign against the party. I follow party policy in believing that Brexit is going to adversely affect the country, and by extension local funding. As a former GP I have an insider's perspective on the local NHS and its current problems as they impact on your medical care. Since moving to the border of St Helen's Ward I have learnt of the area's particular problems and am keen to help. My interests include: archery, walking, flying model aircraft, music and reading.

Bob Lloyd: I have lived in St Helens Ward for 12 years, my daughters attended both Blacklands and Helenswood Schools, where my wife taught, and I served as a governor for 8 years.

My local political priorities are the promotion of social housing, and safe cycling provision. Other important local issues are, the redevelopment of Pilot Field, planning issues in general, the traffic management on The Ridge, and speeding on a number of local roads. I have been a Lib Dem supporter since its formation. I campaigned actively in the Referendum to Remain in Europe, and still strongly believe our interests are best served within the EU. I am a self- employed property manager.

Silverhill Ward:

Susan Stoodley: Susan was born and brought up in Kent and settled in St Leonards in 2015 where she now runs a small business. Susan believes that social and affordable housing should be high on the Council agenda and with increasing pressure on Council finances it is essential to manage spending efficiently. Areas like West St Leonards should be prioritised for funding over the already thriving community of Hastings Old Town and green spaces should not be sold for development. Homelessness is an increasing issue and the council should be raising awareness of the problem and involving the local community through volunteering.

Jon Smalldon: With a Labour council and a Tory MP, Hastings has the worst of all worlds. We need proper investment in our transport infrastructure, public & active transport and parking so that nobody needs to queue forever just to turn onto the Ridge or park on the seafront. I want to see a proper focus on community work to make our streets safer and our spaces cleaner. Hastings has a vibrant cultural life and we should do more to support and nurture that. And whatever the outcome of Brexit, we have to work together to make Hastings the best place it can be to work, live and visit. Jon has lived in Silverhill since 2014. He is married with two children and works for a charity in London.

Tressell Ward:

Oliver Maloney: Not available for personal reasons.

Phil Broad: Phil lives locally to Tressell with his wife and teenage family. He is a retired surveyor who's spent his career acting on behalf of local community groups in respect of housing repairs and estate management. He is a member of local community and parents' groups. Phil would want to see greater efforts and speed by the Council in getting empty properties back into use.

West St Leonards Ward:

Peter Clarke BEM: Peter is an Officer in the London Fire Brigade. He is part of the School Education Team Crossfire. Their purpose is to reduce hoax fire calls, reduce deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour through education. He moved to West St Leonards with his wife, family and two dogs. Peter would like to see more transparency within the council and in their decisions, especially when it comes to planning permission and housing, and in how to raise concerns and objections. He is Chair of the Bulverhythe Protectors who want to see the Combe Valley Countryside Park being used for public and educational recreation and not to be built on.

Eve Montgomery: Eve has lived in West St Leonards since 2012, returning to her family roots on the East Sussex coast. She enjoys gardening, walking on the beach and chatting to people about local history and issues. Eve is an active member of a number of groups in West St Leonards and is a life member of the Hastings and St Leonards Museum Association. She is also treasurer of the Hastings & St Leonards Society. Eve continues to campaign for improvements in West St Leonards and is committed to safeguarding our historic buildings and protecting green spaces from inappropriate development.

Wishing Tree Ward:

Nina Blanch:

Tricia Kennelly: Tricia has lived in Hastings for the last 40 years on and off. Her family and grandchildren all work or go to college here. Tricia is most concerned to see improved recycling; action on dog mess and dog licensing; better controls over unsafe car parking; planning to be more sensitive to public consideration and comment