Your green Candidates – MBC Elections 2024

Allington & Bridge

Rachel Rodwell

“I have lived in Kent for all my life and for the past 10 years have been privileged to live in Allington. Over recent years I have been appalled at the relentless encroachment of housing developments on our surrounding fields and woodlands, destroying vital habitats once teeming with wildlife As a qualified counsellor and eco-therapist, supporting local children and their families out in nature, I know first-hand how vital it is to have access to green spaces in terms of our mental health and emotional wellbeing and I am deeply committed to preserving these remaining ‘wild areas’ for the sake of our future generations. I have a passion not for ‘politics’, but for listening to and connecting with people and offering support and advocacy, which is why I am delighted to have been given the chance to stand as a Green candidate, helping local people to be heard by those who have the power to make decisions which affect us all. I am compelled to stand for the one party which genuinely offers our only hope in tackling the ecological catastrophe facing us all. This is not for me, but for all our children and grandchildren. There is no other option.”

Cllr. Stuart Jeffery

“Having been councillor for Bridge ward for the past two years, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to represent people locally, to get involved in the community, to help those in need, and of course to try to steer Maidstone Borough Council toward being a more equitable, fair and sustainable council. I welcome the opportunity to continue this work across the ward. I believe in people and planet. I want a world where we care for both and one that we leave in a better state than we found it – sadly the opposite is happening and I want to play my part in changing that.”

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Barming Heath & Teston

Alison Sweetman

“I care very much about Barming and Teston as I have lived in Barming for 32 years. In this time there has been many changes, some have impacted on local people’s lives. The most recent is the potential destruction of Oaken wood which has driven me to stand as a candidate, amongst other things. I worked 35 years for KCC in various residential care settings so I am familiar with supporting and advocating for others. I am a sociable person who enjoys a chat. I believe peoples views and concerns need to be listened too and represented. I am very much an outdoor person who loves the countryside and all animals.” “I became a member of the Green Party through being part of the campaign to save Oaken Wood. I really believe in their values, people and the planet are important. If we don’t take care of our environment and look after our country side and the wildlife that reside there, our future is looking bleak.”

Keira Smith

“Philospher Joseph de Maistre said ‘we get the government we deserve’. I can no longer stand back and complain of the incompetence of our leaders without showing a willingness to do something. I taught politics and citizenship education for years encouraging young people to stand up for their rights and to take responsibility. It is time I do the same. I care passionately for those around me: for the lives of the young people I teach; about the injustices faced by those I meet at the cafe. I want people to see the beauty in their community – worked to set up a nature trail along the river. But the ongoing flagrant disregard for our beautiful community and a disdain for the people they serve with awful policies and planning decisions is destroying Maidstone. Ignoring the 20000 objections to the Quarry expansion was the final straw. I want to serve my community, in whatever way it asks of me.” “We are on the brink of climate catastrophe, a disaster that will affect us all, in every part of our lives. It is evident in the self-serving, self-agendising, short-termism of those with power and influence, that they do not have our best interests at heart. BUT I have hope. As a mother of a young child, and a teacher of 20 years I can no longer stand idle, we need to make good for future generations. I need to be part of the solution. We need to think Global and ACT Local. The Green Party are the only party that celebrates people and planet as part of a diverse interconnected system. And in Maidstone it is the only party that can be trusted not to change it’s position in standing against the gross expansion of the quarry into the triple SSI, ancient Oaken Woods. If everyday people stand together and believe: We Can Be the Change our world and our communities need.”

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Bearsted & Downswood

Ciaran Oliver	“I’ve decided to stand for the Green Party because I don’t feel like my views are represented by any of the current parties available in Bearsted. We have an opportunity to reverse the climate emergency we are living through. The Green Party is fighting to make sure this happens at all levels of Government and being a member helps that voice be heard.”
Ed Wallace	Coming Soon!
Lee Garrett	“I decided to stand because I believe that I have the skills and life experiences to bring to the Council in representing often underrepresented parts of our community in Maidstone. As someone who is a Carer for a disabled partner and as a member of the LGBTQIA community, I am aware of how local government often overlooks the needs of these minority groups. My experience of also having served as a County Councillor gives me valuable insight and experience in how local government works and how it can work better to be more reflective of the needs of Maidstonians.” “I believe wholeheartedly in our commitment to dealing with the top issues around the cost of living, in our public services and in our climate and environment. I share the Green Partys plans to improve everything that matters for families and communities. I believe that The Green Party is the only party fully committed to social and environmental justice.”

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Boxley Downs

Cllr. Stephen Thompson

“I’ve lived in Maidstone since 1970, teaching science at secondary schools in this area from 1990. I’ve been compelled to stand for election because, sad to say, Maidstone Borough Council has become irrelevant to most Maidstone residents, just so long as their bins are being emptied. What the Council does has been reduced to debate about this year’s taxes, and how fairly what might be left in the next budget can be spread around to some of the most needy. I am standing because I want a more positive attitude for our neighbourhood, one that invests in the community as a whole. Our Council desperately needs new councillors with a new vision to engage the urgent challenges we face. Maidstone will only be a thriving place for our children when its leaders are determined to plan well for the future beyond the next election. I want to remain at that table on your behalf to work for our common good, for sustainable development and thriving communities in our town and all the surrounding villages. Everything we plan to do must be adapted to the simple fact that we cannot carry on trying to live at the expense of our environment. Traditional politics has been divided between those whose priority is to make money, those who shout for a fair share for everyone, and those who try to fix the squabbles between the first two. All this is flawed because there are so many of us now dividing our common resources and undermining the health of the environment in which we live and on which we depend. Only the Green Party grasps the truth that a sustainable relationship with our environment at all levels must be the basis for both a sound economy and social justice. And this is very practical; for example, I am now able to shape what this looks like as part of the Green Party Education Policy working group.”

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Coxheath & Farleigh

Caroline Richer

“I have lived in this area for 46 years, initially in Yalding and currently in Linton. I’ve worked in Adult Community Learning for 38 years with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities, providing learning programmes for adults to gain skills and qualifications. I am currently working part time as an Internal Quality Assurer for qualifications and volunteer as a Councillor for Linton Parish Council. I am concerned about our environment and believe strongly in local communities influencing agendas, discussions and actions which are important to their everyday lives. I believe in a party which is for everyone not the few.”

Claire Kehily

“I have lived in Maidstone for all of my life, growing up in Coxheath and now live in East Farleigh. I am married with 2 grown up children and worked in Health and Social care for nearly 20 years, as well as various other roles. I am currently just finishing my temporary role as Project Manager at The Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter – a role I revisit yearly as well as working as an Independent Funeral Celebrant. Standing as a candidate for the Green Party is important to me, as I firmly believe that we are stewards of the Earth and that it is our duty to look after and preserve this beautiful planet as best we can. I care deeply about nature, the green spaces and wildlife around us both locally and the wider world we live in. I am keen to make changes to protect our environment and preserve our planet, to work to find viable, effective and sustainable solutions to repair the damage that has been done and to address issues that continue to threaten it, and ultimately our well-being on a daily basis and protect our future.“

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Fant & Oakwood

Kimmy Milham

“I have lived in Maidstone since 2003, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I decided to stand as Councillor for my home area here in Fant to represent residents and campaign to help our community thrive, and our neighbourhood something to be proud of. I grew tired of councillors only caring when it was election time, and then never seeing or hearing from them again. I am a volunteer for several local causes such as at Fant Wildlife, doing litter picks, and setting up Roseholme Residents Association. I am already doing the work, and as Councillor I will continue to do the work and be present and focus on making a change – locally, and in the wider Maidstone area. I have been a Green Party member for around 15 years. I have always cared about nature, and as I learned more about politics I understood more about how government and policy affect our lives day to day, but also the world for years to come. The Green Party has always spoken to my heart and my beliefs, for equality and inclusion for a better future for everyone. The plans the Green Party has at a local level and a national level will bring around a positive change that will last generations, and I am excited to be a part of making that a reality. We aren’t a protest vote – we are a PROGRESS vote.”

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Grove Green & Vinters Park

Anna Winterbottom	“Now more than ever, people all around the country need people who will represent them honestly and with integrity – particularly regarding ever growing environmental concerns. The recent scandal regarding the dumping of raw sewage into our waterways and the sheer scale of the problem cannot be ignored if we are to enjoy our beautiful country and ensure it isn’t irreparably damaged for future generations. From everything to the environment, social justice, protecting and investing in our vital healthcare system, fair taxation and wages, the need for sustainable, affordable homes to the genocidal war waged by Israel on the Palestinian people in Gaza which the Greens have long opposed, this party, in my view, is the only one that offers a true vision for the future. Things feel bleak and with two young children, I worry about what the future holds for them. We need people in politics who have the guts to challenge the establishment and who genuinely come from a place of caring about people and the environment and I believe that is what we all deserve here in Britain, leaders who actually care about us rather than themselves. That is unequivocally the Green Party.”
Steve Cheeseman	“I am Maidstone through and through – I’ve lived here all my life, grew up in Barming and have moved around a bit since then. The only time I wasn’t living in Maidstone was my time at University, where I got involved in politics. Initially I was a ‘Young Lib-Dem’ but when they went back on their promises time and time again I began reading through the manifesto’s of other Partys’ and found I was most aligned to the Green Party. Locally we need to take immediate action to stop building on all our green spaces, and our current councillors don’t seem to want to do that. We also need to combat the growing level of traffic in Maidstone with new ideas-not just more roads! I am a father to 2 young children, and I want to make sure they have somewhere great to grown up.“
Susan Parr	“I’m a Mum and I have lived in Kent for my whole life. I’ve been working for Eurostar for over 25 years now. I also volunteer as a beekeeper to look after their beehives next to the railway line! Their honey is used in the meals and desserts onboard. In my spare time, l enjoy cycling, gardening, and walking my dogs, which generally includes litter picking en route! I’ve also taken part in some long distance bike rides raising money for local charities like The Retreat which is an animal sanctuary near Ashford. I’d like to help families ensure that their children have the best possible future by making sure everyone has the best opportunities in schools, good healthcare, and a healthy environment to succeed and thrive.”

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Headcorn & Sutton Valence

Cllr. Derek Eagle

Derek has been a shopkeeper specialising in produce from the local area for the last 10 years. He also has helped run farmers markets in Headcorn and was formerly the Postmaster for Sutton Valence. He is a serving Parish Councillor for Sutton Valence. He was elected as councillor in 2023 and is eager to continue his hard work in the area. “I am standing because I feel passionately about the need for immediate action to prevent climate and ecological disaster. The Green Party are the only party that have the methodology and tools to succeed.”

Tom Dawber

“I care passionately about our town. I was born and raised here, and want it, and the people who call it home, to be served by a council that befits the town’s long heritage. I believe the existing Conservative council has failed in that task time and time again, and I’d be proud to stand to help better represent the real change that the town needs. I believe I have the qualities required to make a positive change to our town and villages, and will work hard to represent the electorate to the very best of my ability. The Green Party offers a real and credible alternative to the status quo, with forward thinking, compassionate, and data driven policies. The Green Party shows a side of politics that this country so desperately needs, not the farcical and calamitous circus of politics that has been damaging our country for too long.”

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High Street

Donna Greenan	Donna grew up in Maidstone and attended Invicta Grammar School. She worked for local companies and in London before moving to Scotland and the Czech Republic for a few years. She returned to Maidstone to bring up her family and works for a local charity. Donna has been an active campaigner in Maidstone for many years, delivering newsletters throughout the year across the town and writing to residents about concerns, in particular about roads. She has regularly called on residents to gain their views and help take their concerns further with the council. She has attended council meetings and planning meetings and has asked questions or contributed evidence to consultations. Donna says: “I thoroughly enjoy the work that I have been doing so far for residents in Maidstone but I hope that this year I will be elected as a Councillor so that I can continue this work and do so much more for residents. My key priorities are protecting the remaining green spaces we have in Maidstone, looking at strategies to reduce litter, and make our streets safer for everyone so that we can live as a community.”
Farris Wilson	Farris is a community organiser who has previously worked as an engineer and in the Royal Navy. “I am standing for a voice for our diverse community and to stand for peace, justice and green issues locally. I am determined to truly represent your views at the council. I will speak up for your needs and for what we all know is right”
Dr. Saf Buxy	“I’ve lived in Central Maidstone for over 21 years. I’m a Psychotherapist and an advocate for valuing human rights, human dignity and equality. My plethora of work includes engaging with the homeless in Maidstone and treating people suffering from mental illnesses and addiction. In addition to my work, I co-founded a non profit organisation called Stop Trafficking Worldwide CIC, a voluntary organisation dedicated to help women and children from exploitation. We’ve been going through some distressing issues in recent times, well for as long as I can remember. And this is where I see a commonality with all members of The Green Party. Whether we’re talking about racism, gender inequality, homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, ignoring mental health and addiction problems, indigenous rights, animal rights or exploitation full stop, we’re talking about the fight against injustice. I think that we’ve become very disconnected in Maidstone but together we can make a difference and that’s when humanity is at it’s best: when we support each other and move forward as a collective and in communion. I feel we must try to avoid cancelling each other out for past mistakes, but instead help each other to grow, educate each other; and guide each other to redemption.”

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Leeds & Langley

Matt White

“I’ve been Chair of the local party since 2017 and have been active in Green politics for over a decade. I’m a photographer and until recently have been spending most of my spare time as a volunteer with a local arts charity working with children and young adults who struggle to fit in. Social and environmental justice are essential but sorely lacking at every level of government. I want Maidstone Borough Council to help local people reduce our energy bills through better insulation, supporting public transport and by making it easier to walk and cycle.”

Simon Easton

“We are at a crossroads in politics, climate action and social justice which demands a party who really care for the environment and the people. The Green Party are the only party who can lead that responsibly for Maidstone Borough Council. I have been a Green Party number for nine years. I care passionately about the climate and biodiversity and see that only the Green Party are addressing this issues with appropriate urgency. Since joining them I have been impressed with their commitment to social justice for all.”

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Loose & Linton

Matthew Fraser

“I’m standing for the Green Party because other political parties are not doing enough to protect our natural environment.”

Nicola Dawber

“I believe passionately in the urgent need to address climate change at both a local and national level. I also feel strongly about local issues which impact our community. I believe that the Green Party understands the need to prioritise environmental issues and ensures that they are embedded within all policies and activities. Unfortunately these issues often take a back seat with other parties.”

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Marden & Yalding

Grace Couch	“Working in local government has taught me that local politics is integral to our response to the climate emergency, and I really believe that this goes hand in hand with improving lives and reducing inequality in Maidstone. Locally, we need to stem biodiversity loss, find sustainable transport solutions that work for real people, and reduce the cost that come from heating leaky homes. Very few ‘young people’ have a voice in local politics, and I hope to bring the experience of both myself and my peers to make the Council more reflective of the residents it serves. Having grown up in Yalding, I feel well placed to do this.” “Having been part of Maidstone Green Party for the last few years, I have made the decision to stand due to the hope, optimism and sense of justice that can’t be found anywhere else in British politics. We need to listen to local people and make changes to reduce inequality, tackle the cost of living and contribute to green and healthy places to live.” Having studied politics at the University of Kent, Grace has spent the last few years working in local councils in both Kent and London. She has specialised in climate change adaptation and mitigation, writing policies that work towards net-zero by 2030, as well as managing sustainable infrastructure projects. Her experience has also been shaped by volunteering in the community, most recently on the board of Trustees for Maidstone Homeless Care.
Kelly Rigden	“I have decided to stand as a Green Candidate in Marden and Yalding as I live in the ward and love where I live. I am already a parish councillor in Collier Street and I think I could make a positive difference as a borough councillor by representing and helping residents. Whether that be with bin collections, fly tipping or campaigning to keep the Children’s centre open. I joined the Greens as I wanted to ensure a better future for my children. I wanted to be part of a movement that focuses on environmental and social equity for everyone. I believe there is a better way, and the Green Party represent that for me.”
Mick Summersgill	Mick has spent his entire working life using soil and water engineering techniques to clean up contaminated sites, put drainage and water supply systems in for people, re-use surplus soils and help alleviate flooding issues. Recognising that Nature is a fragile system that humans tinker with at their peril led Mike into Green politics as a way of improving communities’ local/regional environments and making a difference in a time of climate emergency. Mick has been a Hunton Parish Councillor for some years, currently as deputy chair, and also is the local SpeedWatch co-ordinator, he also chairs the Road Safety committee and is Parish Flood & Pond Warden. Last year, he was co-opted onto Marden Parish Council, where he sits on the Amenities Committee and Environment sub-group. He also chairs the south of Maidstone Parishes Environment Network PCEN, which covers ten small Parishes. A past President of a 10,000 strong international professional body of engineers and scientists, and a local music promoter in his spare time, Mike has recently retired after 45 years work and wants to harness his skills to the benefit of Maidstone and Kent. Mike says: “Over the past four M&Y Ward elections, I have increased our Green vote from 15% to 38%, and hope to continue that trend and finally become a Councillor for my home ward. Nature and the Environment don’t have a Vote, and I wish to ‘stand up’ for them. The Green Party is the only political group seriously concerned about Climate Change & Sustainability”

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Palace Wood

Ian McDonald

“I have been an active member of the Green Party for 30 years and lived in Maidstone for 28 years. I worked previously for London Transport and for former British Rail in administrative roles. I am involved in many other campaigns: on the environment and climate change, significantly improving public transport, recycling rubbish sensibly, opposing new housing development in most greenfield areas. I have a strong interest in international affairs, supporting relevant campaigns on improving justice and human rights in the UK and in other countries.”

Steve Muggeridge

“I have decided to stand to give the residents of Palace Wood the opportunity to express their concern for the state of Maidstone’s environment with excessive traffic congestion and pollution in the Ward by voting Green Party. The Green Party are the only party that puts people and planet before profit.”

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Penenden Heath

Andrew Reilly	“I am standing because I want people to be able to cast a vote for a party that really cares about society and the environment.” “I joined the Green Party to be part of a movement that really cares for our environment and community.”
Daniel Thompson	“It is important that people of Penenden Heath have as many options for their voice to be heard. I am here to provide for the climate conscious to vote green. There are many problems that we all face that are easy to talk about such as the cost of living crisis. While I do not want to diminish these issues, the ever worsening effects of climate change show that our current measures and policies are woefully inadequate. I believe that with the Green Party, this existential threat will be met with the aggression and tenacity it demands.“
Phoebe Frewer	Coming Soon!

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Ringlestone

Gareth Henry

Coming Soon!

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Staplehurst

Stewart Lane

Coming Soon!

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Tovil

Rosemary Riepma	I believe people can flourish only if the world we live in can flourish. This won’t happen by accident. Decision-making bodies must take more notice of the long term environmental and human cost of today’s choices. Now is the time for things to change. I am standing because if you agree, you deserve the opportunity to vote Green.
Simon Milham	Simon has been living in Maidstone for the last 10 years, he works as a retail manager in the town centre, and across Kent. He is concerned about the levels of traffic and pollution in the town and the impact it will have on his young family. He is an avid walker and enjoys our open spaces, particularly around Fant wildlife area and the river.

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