There is a lot going on in Kent local government at the moment, and changes may be implemented very quickly.
The Government is proposing limited devolution of powers to a new strategic body (probably a Mayor) and wants our District Councils to combine into new and larger unitary authorities. Kent County Council this month voted to support the Government's plans.
There are many risks in this, as well as some opportunities, including for Town and Parish Councils. Sensible people in all parties are happy to explore and debate how we should respond, and how Kent can have more control at the right level over the decisions and services that impact local communities.
This debate should not be limited to politicians and the political parties. We need to involve business, charities, resident associations, the NHS and all those who contribute to making our communities thrive.
How typical, then, of the modern Conservative Party that instead of launching this great debate, they want to shut it down by canceling May's elections to the County Council. They, and others, are running away from the ballot box and the views of local people.
Kent County Council will continue to play an influential role over the next few years as reform and re-organisation makes progress. Its members were elected in 2021 in very different circumstances for a four-year term. It is quite possible that they will now stay in place for a further three or four years.
KCC's membership should be refreshed and re-invigorated. Local people should now decide who they want to represent them at County Hall.
Cllr Alan Leaman
Lib Dem, Sevenoaks Northern Ward & leader of the Lib Dem Group on Sevenoaks District Council.
Our campaign was widely acclaimed but the challenge proved a little too great this time.
Speaking after the count, Richard Streatfeild said:
I want to thank the people of Sevenoaks, Swanley, Westerham and every settlement in the constituency for placing their trust in me during this election. You have spoken up for change, for values of service and trust, and for moving forward as a country and a community. Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign in any way, big or small. You all played a part in tonight’s result. My agent, campaign director and the entire Liberal Democrat team have been outstanding.
I am especially grateful to the ten young volunteers who worked tirelessly to achieve a result that was unthinkable less than a year ago. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot to look forward to!
It is with great sadness we report the death of Bob Coupe a long standing member of Sevenoaks Liberal Democrats, and before 1987 of the Liberal Party
There's no doubt the Conservatives are worried that Laura Trott might lose her seat. And for once - we agree with the Tories!
Every year, a few memorable dates sum up our pride in what we did as a united country and our ambition for what we want our country to be. D Day is one of those days.
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day.
The UK must once again stand tall, leading on the world stage and working closely with those who share our interests – including, above all, our partners in Europe.
No child should ever have to experience sexual abuse. These are horrifying crimes that cause so much harm to the children who are victims. We will keep up the pressure so that the action needed to make our communities safe all children finally happens.
