The Liberal Democrats have taken both the Hythe West District and two Hythe West Town Council seats in by-elections gains from the Conservatives. Victorious new Councillors Neil Matthews, Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews took the seats vacated following the long awaiting departure of Conservative Councillors Linda and John Oliver, who moved to Somerset in late 2007.
The Liberal Democrats have taken the Folkestone West County Division from the Conservatives. Lib Dem candidate Tim Prater beat sitting councillor and the leader of Shepway District Council Robert Bliss by 11 votes after a nail-biting count and recount.
The Conservatives retained the Romney Marsh district seat on Shepway Council in the by-election held on 4th June. The result in full was:
The results are out for the elections to Kent County Council. The Conservatives sensationally lost Folkestone West (previously held by District Council leader Robert Bliss) to the Lib Dems in Shepway, but held the other five seats. Across Kent, the Lib Dem group is up one to seven, and are now the official opposition to the Conservatives after disastrous results for Labour saw them lose 18 of their 20 seats.
Shepway Council has announced that the Council will be considering the planning applications for London Ashford Airport, Lydd, at a special meeting to be held in the Council Chamber on Thursday 9 July 2009 at 7pm.
The Telegraph has today claimed that Folkestone and Hythe Conservative MP Michael Howard charged the taxpayer £17,351 for "gardening services" at his designated second home in Kent.
"This Thursday's vote is being held in a uniquely febrile climate. It should be about Europe; it will be about the expenses scandal. On both counts, it is a moment to reward the principled consistency of the Liberal Democrats." by Editorial in The Observer - 31 May
The Big Questions, BBC1's topical and ethical debate show, is now well into its second series. They will be broadcasting live from Tonbridge on the morning of Sunday, June 7th and they would like to invite you to be part of the audience.
These days there are many issues that cannot be tackled just by taking action at home. Making a difference on climate change, international crime and the economy means that we have to work with our European neighbours to deliver effective international action.
A Shepway Conservative says he is disgusted with the local Conservatives and has resigned his Romney Marsh seat on Shepway District Council. A by-election will be held on the 4th of June to coincide with the County and European elections.
Kent Trading Standards has received of a number of complaints relating to unsolicited emails offering consumers the chance to make additional income by having money transferred into their account which they then forward to another account after taking a cut themselves. This then allows the scammer to access the consumer's bank account, which can result in the loss of large amounts of money.
Local Lib Dem Gary Fuller has written to South Kent College Governor and District & Town Councillor George Bunting calling on him to intercede with the College's management to prevent the casualisation of its highly dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSA) workforce.
