KENT COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS, 1 MAY 2025

DEAL AND WALMER

Howard Evans has worked in the tyre and rubber industry most of his life and is still the Secretary-General of the Rubber Trade Association of Europe, responsible for the processes and procedures of the rubber market, contract development and discipline, and arbitration.

His experience opposes the hostile isolationist business policies with our commercial and geographic neighbours, supports fairness across our local communities and advances affordable practicable sustainable rural and town energy and transport policies.

DEAL AND WALMER

John Gosling has voted Liberal and then Liberal Democrat all his life. He writes:

"I joined the Party in 2015 in order to fight against Brexit and I stand for a restoration of  harmony and alignment with Europe.

"I spent most of my career as a designer of high spec furniture and interiors, with many clients in the City of London.

"I have also had experience as a labourer, as a maintenance man in a dementia care home and charity fundraiser. This has given me a great insight into all levels of society.

“I believe deeply in the values of Centre politics to prevent the excesses of the Far Right and Far Left and I am committed to the balance and common sense it represents.”

DOVER NORTH        

Bob Hope has lived in Dover District for almost 25 years. He has considerable business acumen having run and chaired several international companies involved in transport, sport and television.

Bob is heavily involved in the local community and has raised considerable funds through fund-raising and sponsorship to revitalise a village asset and bring it back to life.

Bob will bring his broad experience and drive to his role as a Kent County Councillor. He is particularly keen in ensuring that value for money is a key priority.

As a Liberal Democrat he wants to see greater provision for children and young people – particularly when it comes to access to sport; improved road management and repair of pot-holes: greater focus on support for green energy and protecting the environment; and a sensible and joined up approach to more affordable and social housing provision, built sustainably.

DOVER TOWN

Ryan Grimes was born and raised in Dover as part of a large and close-knit family. He knows the everyday frustrations shared by many Dovorians; from pot holes and increasingly reckless driving in town, to watching Dover lag behind in terms of services, investment, and opportunity.

Having a broad career covering climate research, parkland management, and fighting forest fires by helicopter, Ryan wants to fight to make Dover better for everyone.

“Dover has so much potential, so much to be proud of. Cooperation and communication can unlock so much good for the town and its people. We can no longer be an afterthought.”

DOVER TOWN

Adrian Walker-Smith was originally a member of the Liberal Party and joined the Liberal Democrats when the party was founded in 1988.

He has lived in Dover Town since 2021. His career started with acting at the Old Vic, moved through customer services with Readers’ Digest,  continued with various roles in the Civil Service including leading the Cartel Investigation Branch of the Office of Fair Trading, and concluded with ten years as an Independent Member of the Parole Board.

He currently volunteers with two charities in Dover.

DOVER WEST        

Penelope James has lived in Dover West Ward for nearly 25 years and ran her own very successful Communications Consultancy during this time.

She has been a parish councillor for 10 years, chair of South Kent Mind, is very involved in the local community where she lives, sitting on a range of committees, and stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the General Election in 2024.

Penelope has been a vocal campaigner for the broader community of Dover & Deal on issues including the Dover & Deal Liberal Democrat campaign against the creation of an Internal Border Facility at Dover and protecting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located in Dover West. 

Penelope pledges to listen to local people and put them first. She will ensure more support for schools and young people, improved mental health provision and energy-efficient housing for local people at affordable prices.

SANDWICH        

Martyn Pennington lives in the village of Woodnesborough, near Sandwich, with his wife, two cats and a mother-in-law of 95.

Before his retirement he was an internationally respected expert in overseas aid to poor countries, its effectiveness and "value for money". As an elder of the United Reformed Church and a member of Sandwich Town Council with ten years experience in local councils, he is well aware of the issues facing Sandwich and the surrounding area.

Martyn says:

"I am passionate about bringing power to local communities, where so many people give their time and effort to help others.