The local elections taking place on on 4th May present a real opportunity for change in Shepway. We are standing candidates in 29 council seats across town and district councils. That’s a new record for us!
For the first time ever, we are standing 17 candidates in district council seats. If all 17 of our candidates are elected, we will control the council. We also welcome the prospect of working together in a potential coalition with parties that are aligned with our values to bring a positive change for our district.
Which ward am I in?
To find your ward, type your postcode into the box on this page: https://voting.greenparty.org.uk/
Cheriton – represented by three councillors – you get three votes
Mike Blakemore
Mike’s first job was as a reporter on the Dover Express, followed by a career in communications, including for charities and campaigning organisations such as Young Women’s Trust and Amnesty International. His interests include health, having worked for the NHS and most recently the Royal College of Physicians, where he campaigned to ensure doctors and other staff had adequate protection from Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic. In his spare time Mike enjoys creative writing and has written two novels over the last five years.
Polly Blakemore
Polly has a background in project management and has successfully delivered large, complex projects for establishments such as the BBC. More recently she has worked for a land surveying business just outside Hythe, liaising with clients, both corporate and private, co-ordinating jobs and managing purchasing and invoicing. Polly is a keen swimmer and long-standing yoga enthusiast. She is passionate about her community and volunteered as part of the Covid testing team in a local secondary school during the pandemic.
Rebecca Shoob
Rebecca was elected in 2019 as Cheriton’s only Green councillor. Rebecca has worked in project management, primarily in the field of information security, gaining experience across various corporate functions. She has also volunteered with advice charities and refugee projects, as well as a National Trust garden. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and learning to play the piano. Rebecca is committed to making a positive impact on her community and ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard.
Hythe – represented by three councillors – you get three votes
Rich Holgate
Rich is committed to standing up for the people of Hythe, which is why he was inspired to stand for the Green Party. He believes in the party’s values of social justice, environmental sustainability, and grassroots democracy are the best ways to make positive changes in the area. He is deeply concerned about the impact of development on Princes Parade and believes that sustainable development is essential for the well-being of the community. As a Green Party candidate, Rich is committed to fighting for a fairer, more sustainable future for all residents of Hythe.
Anita Jones
Anita Jones was elected as a Town Councillor for Hythe East in 2021. She is passionate about environmental issues and in her Town Council role has focussed on improving outdoor facilities for families in Hythe, planting trees with young people and liaising with local businesses. Anita is a professional musician, teacher and business director. She is also a Scout leader and works with young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, helping them to develop life skills and build self-confidence. Anita believes in giving back to her community and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the people she serves.
Jim Martin
Jim is the current Mayor of Hythe and has been a councillor since May 2019. He is also a Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in value management and business case development. Jim is passionate about reducing emissions and addressing environmental issues. He is keen to increase the number of trees planted in the area to improve air quality. Jim’s extensive experience in the construction industry inspires his colleagues to be leaders in the field. In his personal life, he enjoys cycling and hiking. He’s also running the London Marathon to raise funds for Pilgrims Hospice.
Hythe Rural – represented by two councillors – you get two votes
Jeremy Speakman
Jeremy has spent most of his life in the district and has a deep connection to the area and its people. He moved to Hythe from nearby Stelling Minnis where he served as a parish councillor for eight years and actively worked to conserve local common land. Jeremy’s professional background is in public service, with a focus on improving the lives of disadvantaged young people through initiatives such as youth justice, employment, and training. Jeremy has been member of Hythe and Saltwood Sailing Club for over 20 years. He is also a trustee for an outdoor learning centre and an active volunteer for National Trust White Cliffs. If elected, Jeremy will look for opportunities to engage residents across Hythe and Lympne and will work hard to ensure that people of all ages are listened to in all decision-making at the District Council.
John Wing
John has been a District Councillor for Hythe and Lympne since 2019. He has found the experience rewarding, collaborating with the parish council and village hall committee to create a green space behind Lympne village hall. John has also worked with a volunteer-led litter picking group in Lympne to maintain the cleanliness of the village. Throughout his time as a councillor, he has been deeply impressed by the commitment of residents to improve their community. As he seeks re-election, John is committed to building on these achievements and working collaboratively with residents to make positive changes.
North Downs East – Represented by three councillors – you get three votes
James Butcher
James is a freelance consultant specialising in business management and leadership, with more than 20 years’ experience working with clients in various sectors such as engineering, finance, and healthcare. James has a passion for sustainability and environmental issues, and aims to bring this perspective to his work. James has experience serving as a parish councillor, and he strongly supports greater community participation in local government decisions.
Stephen Scoffham
Stephen is a candidate in the North Downs East ward, which includes his home village of Acrise and the beautiful Elham Valley. He is a Visiting Reader in Sustainability and Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and has spent his career in education, with a focus on geography, global learning, and sustainability. Stephen has also been involved in numerous local environmental and conservation groups, including serving as President of the Geographical Association. He is committed to engaging with and listening to residents to promote sustainable and equitable policies at the District Council.
Doug Wade
Doug was born in Hythe and has had a varied career path, including roles as a Zen monk, teacher, journalist, editor, social worker, and carer. He holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University and a Masters degree in Sociology, Law & Social Policy from Oxford University. He enjoys playing tennis and has represented Hythe Rural as a district councillor since 2019. In 2019/20, Doug served as the Mayor of Hythe and is committed to making a positive impact on his community through his work as a councillor.
East Folkestone
Marianne Brett
Marianne is a highly experienced environmental consultant and engineer, holding a PhD, CL:AIRE QP, Chartered Scientist, and membership in the Institution of Environmental Sciences. She is standing in her home ward of East Folkestone. With specialist knowledge in contaminated land, remediation, waste management, and stable isotope geochemistry, Marianne brings a wealth of expertise to her work in the field. She is also a skilled project manager and operational manager. In her personal life, Marianne enjoys gardening and swimming in the sea, with her favourite spot being Mermaid Beach, of course. She is a passionate and committed community member who is eager to serve and represent the residents of East Folkestone at the District Council.
Folkestone Central
Clive Hawkins
Clive has a background in IT & project management. He is keen to see local government made more accessible and accountable for its actions. Clive wants to see central Folkestone work for its residents; with the future of the library at risk, the Folca building standing empty and a lack of affordable housing while luxury flats are springing up, it’s time for a change. Clive wants to see due consideration given to the environment as this has a direct impact on the well-being of the town and its residents.
North Downs West
Elaine Martin
Elaine originally trained and worked as a midwife then, after having two children, returned to study and obtained a BSc Hons in Computer Information Systems. Elaine worked in the banking sector as a Systems Analyst. For 12 years Elaine was involved as a committee member of the Save Princes Parade campaign. Elaine instigated the Judicial Review against the decision by F&HDC to grant itself planning permission to develop the site. On behalf of Save Princes Parade, she arranged representation at the Public Inquiry into the diversion of the Princes Parade road. A resolute and determined campaigner, Elaine’s attention to detail and focus served the campaign over many years. In her private life Elaine is devoted to her four grandchildren and enjoys reading, yoga and cycling.
Romney Marsh
Jenni Hawkins
Jenni is a dedicated environmental campaigner, and former nurse. She currently serves as a County Councillor for Hythe West which includes Dymchurch. She is passionate about preserving the beauty and uniqueness of the local environment and is committed to ensuring that future generations can enjoy it too. Jenni believes that the community should have a greater say in local decision-making processes and is keen to represent the voices of all residents of Romney Marsh at the District Council.
Walland & Dengemarsh
Ross Carter
Ross was one of the first members of Shepway Green Party and has played an important role in many local campaigns, including the fight against the Tory district council’s idea of siting a nuclear waste disposal site on Romney Marsh. Ross is a keen runner and cyclist and angry at the way our failing government and local authorities allow our seas, rivers and countryside to be polluted. Walland and Dengemarsh is very vulnerable to climate change and rises in sea level. It is an area with great potential but needs long term investment to protect the coastline, create new jobs and to improve transport links and local services in an area which has been neglected for too long.
New Romney
Malcolm Watkinson
Malcolm has lived in New Romney for 30 years and is determined to make the very best job he can of representing the interests of the people of New Romney. He is looking forward to joining the “Green Team” at Folkestone and Hythe District Council to make a difference in the area. He is a strong supporter of the proposed new medical facility for the town, and aims to support both individuals and local businesses with an emphasis on providing green jobs. He is the owner of a small, long-established and successful local engineering business and feels that his experience in running this will be useful when helping to manage the council.
