Action
Helen's Positive Plan for CHANGE
Helen will work tirelessly with our local councillors to secure a fair deal for Edenbridge and all communities across Sevenoaks Rural South. As your dedicated local champion, Helen is committed to addressing the issues that matter most to residents.
HELEN WILL BACK OUR BUSES
Our vital bus services face serious threats - including the essential school bus routes that families depend on. The Liberal Democrats have a comprehensive plan to properly fund and protect the bus services our communities rely on. Helen will fight to ensure reliable public transport remains accessible for everyone, from students to seniors, connecting our rural communities and reducing isolation.
HELEN WILL PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES
Kent County Council stands on the brink of bankruptcy because Kent Conservatives have lost control of adult social care costs, putting vulnerable residents at risk. Only the Liberal Democrats have developed practical, sustainable plans to reform adult social care while ensuring everyone can access healthcare when they need it. Helen will champion:
- The right to see a GP within seven days (or 24 hours for urgent cases)
- Better support for carers
- Investing in mental health services
- A sustainable funding model for social care that protects both services and dignity
HELEN WILL CHAMPION ROAD MAINTENANCE
In Sevenoaks Rural South, we're supposed to drive on the left, not on what's left! The state of our local roads has deteriorated dramatically under Conservative leadership - there are now three times as many potholes and twice as much road repair work needed compared to when the current Conservative councillor was elected four years ago. These dangerous road conditions damage vehicles, risk cyclist safety, and reflect years of neglect.
Helen will make road maintenance a top priority, pushing for proper investment and a strategic approach to repairs rather than the current patch-up jobs that don't last.
Do not reward Conservative failure. Choose Helen, your new local champion, on 1st May.
Meet Helen Hobhouse
FROM OUR AREA, FOR OUR AREA I have lived in Leigh for over 30 years. My children were born and raised here and, through involvement with various schools and sports clubs, I know the whole area well. Until 2019 I was a barrister in a London chambers. Since retiring I have taken on several voluntary roles in the community, including as Chair of Leigh Tennis Club and as a member of the PCC and pastoral team at St Mary’s, Leigh.
COMMUNITY ENGAGED During the pandemic I helped co-ordinate a group of volunteers delivering food and prescriptions to the shielding and housebound. I am still involved in local initiatives, including a walking group and a weekly coffee stop. I am a member of our village community choir.
WORKING FOR YOU I am acutely aware of the impact on our community of the cost of living, transport and education issues and am deeply concerned about the growing crisis in our adult social care services. As a community campaigner (and enthusiastic cyclist) I am also only too well aware of the pressing need to address the poor condition of our roads. To face these challenges it is important that we have a strong local voice fighting for residents in Sevenoaks Rural South.
Around Sevenoaks Rural South
These are my priorities for Edenbridge
- Having affordable and right size homes is important in every community. Especially in Edenbridge. But the current proposals from Sevenoaks District Council are unfair. They do not take account of local views or infrastructure and will make pollution in the Eden even worse.
- Edenbridge leisure centre is a great community asset but it needs upgrading if not entirely replacing for the 21st Century. Join my campaign for a new leisure centre for Edenbridge.
- Edenbridge needs a secondary school. We should not be sending our children on a two hour commute. Join my campaign to get a new secondary school for Edenbridge.
Stand with rural Kent: Sign Helen's petition today!
Petition to stop cuts to Edenbridge & Westerham, Sevenoaks and Swanley Citizens Advice
We the undersigned are petitioning Sevenoaks District Council not to impose any cuts to the grant funding provided to Citizens Advice in Edenbridge & Westerham, Sevenoaks and Swanley. The council needs to reverse these cuts to protect important services in the midst of the cost of living crisis.
Volunteer with the Liberal Democrats
Become a volunteer today
We are so pleased you want to join the team. If you already know how you would like to help, let us know below, if not then you can skip those questions and hit the big yellow 'I'm in' button and someone will be in contact. Thank you.