Borough Councillors for our Ward

Recent changes to the Borough Council wards means that the new ward covering our parish, “Rural Tunbridge Wells”, will be greatly increased in area from the current ward which only includes Brenchley and Matfield together with Horsmonden.  The parishes of Goudhurst and Lamberhurst will be added and the number of Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillors for this newly enlarged ward will be three.

Up until the new changes, coming into effect for the imminent elections in May, our Ward has been represented by Cllr Steve McMillan, a resident of Brenchley, and Cllr Jane March, a resident of Horsmonden.  However, neither of these Councillors will be standing for election in May.  This means that unless a resident of our villages is elected for one of the three seats we could be in the position where our Borough Councillors all live in other parishes.

Whilst there is no reason to believe Councillors resident elsewhere would not work hard for our parish, it would certainly be preferable to be represented by at least one resident of our own parish, with knowledge of and a real connection to our area specifically.

If any resident therefore is interested in this prospect please consider nominating yourself for election.  For information go to the TWBC website: https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections/elections/nominations

There are a number of free briefings (you need only attend one of these). They will also include information about parish elections:

• Monday 19 February, 6.30pm to 8pm (online via MS Teams)
• Thursday 22 February, 6.30pm to 8pm (in person at the Town Hall)
• Tuesday 27 February, 6.30pm to 8pm (online via MS Teams)

Please let the elections team know if you will be attending one of the above sessions by emailing elections@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or phoning 01892 554024 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

• Notice of Election will be published on Monday 11 March 2024
• Nominations will open at midday on Monday 11 March 2024 and close at 4pm on Friday 5 April 2024