Jim Martin

Folkestone & Hythe District Council – Hythe; Hythe Town Council

Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Cabinet Member for Otterpool Park and Planning Policy

I have lived in Hythe since 2007, when my wife Elaine and I moved from SE London to our home in Seabrook. By profession I am a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and I am Chairman of Martin Arnold Chartered Surveyors in Woolwich. We have two sons and five grandchildren.

I first took an interest in local politics when I became Chair of the Save Prince’s Parade group because I felt the voice of local people was not being listened to. Immediately after becoming Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council in 2023 I was proud to be able to declare Princes Parade saved: a great example of just what we can achieve when councillors, campaigners and other residents come together.

I am a regular runner, along the Canal path or promenade, (slow but sure) and I have completed 25 full Marathons, including 20 consecutive London Marathons (don’t ask me why!).

Emails: jim.martin@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk  (District); J.Martin@hythe-tc.gov.uk (Town)