"The pandemic has seriously impacted on the councils income, so there are some major financial decisions to take to balance our revenue budget and replenish reserves. "Nominations for the new leader will be proposed at the council meeting on Wednesday. The Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells council has been defeated by a new party set up in protest to a multi-million pound development. Having accepted the Leadership Cllr Chapelard announced his administration will be called the borough partnership. Members of the Council elected Councillor Tom Dawlings as new Leader at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 26 May. The leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has resigned.. A statement from the council says Alan McDermott (Con), councillor for Brenchley and Horsmonden, stepped down on Sunday and a new . Nick Pope (pictured below) emphasised the recent slide in Conservative support, pointing out that just 3 years ago, the Conservatives had a massive majority, holding 43 out of 48 seats on the Borough Council. Cllr Woodward, who has represented Broadwater since 2006, has also replaced previous mayor Joy Podbury. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.32 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> The partnership is made up of Liberal Democrats, Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA) and Labour councillors, and the independent councillor for Paddock Wood (East). Tunbridge Wells Alliance leader David Hayward this week said he had been trying to get hold of former leader Cllr McDermott in the hopes of striking a deal and feels all opposition parties are united in wanting what is best for the area. "All the opposition wants what's best for the borough," he said. Terry Hughes - Community Safety Manager - Tunbridge Wells Borough There are also 3 seats belonging to Independents.[6]. But despite the changes to the new-look chamber, they remain deadlocked after the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections earlier this month. He said: "I got an early indication they wanted a meeting. Dont take my [], Read More from A Green In The Room Will Make The Difference, We were delighted to welcome Carla Denyer to Tunbridge Wells last Saturday to help us launch this years local election campaign. On [], Read More from Debs Keech Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, Alasdair can usually be found on his bike either coaching, competing or cycling local routes. Western Assistant Team Leader Ruth Chambers Assistant Team Leader Claire Thompson Principal Planning Officer Lynda Middlemiss part-time Senior Planning Officer Nancy Redgrove It is all change as a new leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and a new mayor have been elected. LEADERS INTRODUCTION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CAB154/22 There were no announcements. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has voted in the head of the Lib Dem group as the authority's new Council Leader, ending two decades of Conservative rule. Cllr Dawlings emphasised that the bulk of the Council Tax collected by the Borough is passed onto Kent County Council, Police, Fire services and for Parish and Town Councils. m8#KL.$]s58r5mreW#V>mpOay[`c:\Clt=P#GEV Tunbridge Wells Social has been created to establish an online sense of community across our borough and to help combat the social isolation and loneliness we can all feel sometimes. "Tunbridge Wells Borough Council members will be electing a new leader at the annual meeting of the full council on Wednesday, May 26," a council statement read. "But whether that will influence the others in his group, I dont know.". Earlier plans for an active travel route along the A26 which Borough Council officers had worked on for some time and for which Government funding had been secured had had to be abandoned when these failed to get the support of Kent Highways officials due to safety concerns. The restricted area[clarification needed] immediately to the north and west of Tunbridge Wells lies within the Weald. The content is clear and concise and you do not need to wade through a load of reading. Speaking about his appointment Councillor Dawlings said: I would like to thank Members for electing me to lead the Council. He said: Matthew and volunteers were out canvassing and leafleting every day for 3 weeks across the ward. He will lead a new coalition of the Liberal Democrats, Labour group and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA). The Conservatives are still in control of the council with their majority. In November of the same year, a by-election was held for one seat in Speldhurst and Bidborough ward, in which the Tories lost to TWA candidate and local businessman Matthew Sankey. Ousted council leader says building offices "still a good proposition He said the Council was looking at ways of helping the local economy by connecting the top and bottom of Tunbridge Wells more effectively. But in the balanced state the Council is now in (24 Conservative Members, 24 Opposition Members) working more closely together is all the more important. Cllr Dawlings also says he wants to look at improving the refuse services in the area. The district was formed on 1 April 1974, by the merger of the municipal borough of Royal Tunbridge Wells along with Southborough urban district, Cranbrook Rural District and most of Tonbridge Rural District. There is a railway line across the clay plain in an almost unbroken straight line between Redhill, Tonbridge and Ashford, Kent. A new Tunbridge Wells council leader has been elected after the conservatives lost their majority for the first time in 22 years. <> The chair of Tunbridge Wells Alliance Nick Pope told Southborough News that the seat had been won by his party after relentless campaigning. treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk. The Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been unseated by a UKIP candidate. Council control before election. Tunbridge Wells Social offers something for everyone - entertainment and activities for all ages, tips and workshops for healthy living and . More. Borough of Tunbridge Wells - Wikipedia Following the 2022 election, the council remains under no overall control (NOC). Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can send you a weekly email packed full of interesting news and features. "They want to wait until the full council meeting on Wednesday.". In 2007, the Labour Party was completely pushed out of the council after losing its last councillor, Ronnie Ooi. "The boundary commission is about to start an investigation to balance up the wards sizes across the borough which, inevitably, will lead to many changes. "Sadly, my approach to sort out some matters in advance of the full council meeting were rebuffed. Nick Pope, deputy group leader of the TWA, said that there were 'some minor details to hammer out', but that everything was 'pretty much in place'. Despite the strong campaign against development around Capel, Cllr Dawlings continued to argue the case for satisfying central Government housing demands by developing a new settlement and including new infrastructure for road improvements, new schools and medical and recreational facilities. They stated that the Alliance and the Labour Party had both contacted the Liberal Democrats to start talks, but that they had been told negotiations could only begin on 15 May 2022, which the TWA stated was only two days before many decisions need[ed] to be made and submitted. 2,541 followers. Cllr Chapelard is the ward member for St James' and Liberal Democrats Council Group Leader. After last Thursday's by-election defeat, the Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells Council has called for all political parties to work together in collaboration in the interests of the Borough. endobj This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections. All rights reserved. The Liberal Democrats were also criticised by the Conservatives for their plans to use parts of the Common for cycle and bus lanes. The Sherwood ward councillor said: "It was not unexpected but, for the Conservative group to assume still, they are the leading party is arrogant. Cllr Dawlings said there was cross-party support for efforts to upgrade the existing Town Hall building. from A Green In The Room Will Make The Difference, from Co-Leader Carla Denyer Visits Goudhurst, from A Green in the Room Makes a Difference, West Kent Radio Interview with Tunbridge Wells Green Party. Thats why Ive created a cabinet post for government and transparency (David Hayward) so we look at how we govern. Cllr Dawlings pointed out that his partys share of the vote was an improvement on the May election result when the Conservatives had held the seat. David Jukes lost out to Lucy Willis of the Tunbridge . Tunbridge Well Borough Council Jobs | Indeed.com We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As Leader he has played a full role in the measures the Council has taken so successfully in supporting residents and businesses during the pandemic - it has been a very difficult time but our Conservative-run Council has performed with great distinction. Conservative Tunbridge Wells Council Leader Tom Dawlings outlines key achievements and upcoming 2022 delivery in the Tunbridge Wells Times newspaper news article published on the 2nd February. :D6hs%#^_G1NG.2S\)me{u PDF Adoption of Policy to Reduce Use of Pesticides Councillor Dawlings (Cons), ward member for Benenden and Cranbrook,. We knew it could only be won by working hard and speaking to as many people as possible.. "We are all interested in what's best for the people of the borough.". After the return to in-person Common Council meetings earlier this summer, a small group of residents asked Council to consider holding hybrid meetings (allowing public participation both in-person and by remote video conference). Labour doubled their representation on the council, and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA), contesting their first election, increased their seat count from 1 to 6. The deficit last year was 944,000 which has been plugged by reserves so in the old administration that wouldve been balanced. Despite the initial rebuff, I hope the Opposition Group Leaders will now be prepared to discuss establishing good working relationship because that is what our residents and businesses both need and deserve.. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Council structure Cabinet 6 Portfolio Holders Joint Meeting of the Area Committees when necessary Planning Committee Eastern Area Standards . Conservative Tunbridge Wells Council Leader Tom Dawlings outlines key achievements and upcoming 2022 delivery in the Tunbridge Wells Times newspaper news article published on the 2nd February. Sadly my approach to sort out some matters in advance of the Full Council meeting on 26th May were rebuffed. He said: "I suggested that, even without a hung council, my aim would be to have good relations with opposition groups mainly because we would be in full agreement on most of the services the council provides. Celebrating Tunbridge Wells Women in Business to recognise International Womens Day. A new plan for Tunbridge Wells borough was approved by Full Council on 1 March 2023 Book a bulky or electrical item collection, Homeless, vulnerable or at risk of homelessness, Setting up your business in Tunbridge Wells, Genuinely affordable housing and social rental housing, Digital access, transparency and local democracy. Former leader of the opposition, Cllr Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem), was voted through with 31 votes in favour, but all 13 opposition conservatives abstained. He said: Ive been on the council for nearly 12 years and the advice I was given was as a leader of the opposition you think you know your way around the council, but when you become leader there will be things you werent aware of that sometimes crop up. He argued the plans for Kingstanding Way on the North Farm Industrial estate provided: wonderful business and employment opportunities.. Copyright 2023 Tunbridge Wells Conservatives. Kent areas with worst pollution amid controversial ULEZ expansion, Current plans would see the Ultra Low Emissions Zone expanded this summer, Arrest after man has neck cut in 'serious assault', Police are now appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward. He has continued to oversee the production of the new Local Plan with the Full Council approving the Pre-Submission Local Plan now out for consultation. At Wednesday's (May 25) Full Council meeting, the first since the May 5 elections that saw the Lib Dem group overtake the Tories as the largest party at TWBC, Cllr Ben Chapelard . Maidstone Borough Council Stuart Jeffery has been voted in as Maidstone Borough Council's first Green councillor In Tunbridge Wells the Conservatives lost eight seats and are no longer. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - BBC News The presence of sandstone outcrops and the chalybeate springs, together with old workings, point to ancient iron manufacturing in the area. Local News; National News; Tunbridge Wells Conservatives . #GrubbyGreg . I suggested that even without a hung Council, my aim would be to have good relations with opposition groups mainly because we would be in full agreement on most of the services the Council provides. It comes after the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections earlier this month. Bob Atwood, who was elected leader of the council in January 2011, lost to Piers Wauchope of. Following the local elections on 5 May the Liberal Democrats held 16 of the 48 seats making them the largest Group in the Council. Tunbridge Wells council eyes up buildings and car parks to sell as As is customary the Mayor chooses a charity to support during their term of office and Councillor Woodward will be supporting Mental Health Resource, a local mental health charity. Tunbridge Wells borough council (TWBC) took aim at Sunak's comments over the summer, when a video emerged of him speaking to Conservative activists in the area during the previous Tory . from Tunbridge Wells Green Party is standing 16 candidates on 4th May a full slate! On the state of shops in Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Dawlings noted that the Pantiles area was currently buzzing and he expressed optimism that the empty BHS store would soon attract a new retailer. Ben Chapelard - Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - Tunbridge He argued that the cross-party collaborative agreement on plans to rent out the surplus space in the Town Hall for co-working showed that the different groups were able to work effectively together. <> "But in the balanced state the council is now in, working more closely together is all the more important. "Then, on Friday, I got an email, saying they didn't want to meet.". Cllr Dawlings said that council staff numbers had been cut by 30% in recent years, so there was 20,000 square feet of office space that could be rented out, with the hope of bringing 300 new office workers into the centre of the town. Cllr Pound believes Cllr Dawlings will be a better leader of the council than Cllr McDermott was. The email also includes a reminder for your bin collection day and tells you when new planning applications have been submitted near your house. Cllr McDermott admitted it had been a tough two years in charge, dealing with the impact of the coronavirus health crisis. 28 Apr 2023 19:27:21 Vibrant Focal Point or Plastic Lunch Box? "We have major matters to address the local plan; the climate emergency and our net zero target for carbon emissions by 2030; our property assets and completion of the Amelia Scott. All rights reserved. Show only. New Leader and new Mayor elected - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Your email address will not be published. .news-img { width: 40%; height: auto; float: left; margin-right: 20px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 470px) { .news-img { width: 100%; height: auto; float: none; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px;} }. Cllr Dawlings also noted that the Borough Councils Local Plan covered more than housing. The budget will be addressed by the full council in February. It is likely that little will change until the May elections.. Having brought the building up to a high standard, the council would be renting out unused space to bring in new income streams and reduce costs for the council. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting service, Cllr Chapelard said: We all know from Calverley Square the councils reputation has been absolutely savaged by residents and we need to rebuild that trust. Cllr Chapelard said: We have come together to form this administration with one single and only objective: doing the best for our residents and our borough.. "Some of the services provided by our major contractors are presently less than satisfactory. "It has been a very, very difficult two years with Covid," he said. At the Annual Meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on Wednesday 25 May 2022 Councillor Ben Chapelard was elected as Leader. Debs previously worked in main government, then local government. Among the issues fought over were plans for traffic calming and widening the A21. stream "The amount of hours I was putting in last year was unbelievable. Councillor Ben Chapelard Title: Leader of the Council Party: Liberal Democrats Ward: St James' Other councillors representing this Ward: Councillor Rob Wormington More information about this. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections - Wikipedia he first Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was elected prior to the boroughs official formation, in the 1973 United Kingdom local elections. In depth news and views about the town of Southborough in Kent in England 27,000 visitors to site since 2016! "Despite the initial rebuff, I hope the opposition group leaders will now be prepared to discuss establishing good working relationship because that is what our residents and businesses both need and deserve.". Main Responsibilities 1. The 2019 election saw the Conservatives lose many seats, although they retained their majority. A statement from the council says Alan McDermott (Con), councillor for Brenchley and Horsmonden, stepped down on Sunday and a new leader of the council will be appointed this Wednesday. One year of the Lib Dem - Alliance coalition: what have they done for Tunbridge Wells? David Hayward has already been in touch with the company which last month announced, subject to planning permission, it was poised to buy the 1.5 acre site which has stood unused since 2000. "This late addition to the agenda comes after councillor Alan McDermott resigned from the post on Sunday, May 23. "All the opposition wants what's best for the borough," he said. endobj [5] Eight wards are within Royal Tunbridge Wells itself: Broadwater, Culverden; Pantiles & St Marks; Park; Rusthall; Sherwood & St John's and St. James. We pay our respects to Kent residents who have died in recent weeks. After last Thursdays by-election defeat, the Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells Council has called for all political parties to work together in collaboration in the interests of the Borough. The borough became one of the first to introduce a system of elections by thirds under section 7 (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, as one of 44 non-metropolitan districts to have passed a resolution requesting the change. Even the former leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said "I really don't know" if the Calverley Square scheme will survive the aftermath.. Work was timetabled to start in five months but with a Conservative majority now of just eight and opposition parties along with some Conservatives preparing to oppose the scheme, this day may never come. New Council Leader elected - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Pascack Press 4.24.23 - issuu.com The draft budget recently received unanimous approval at Novembers Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board and will be published for public consultation in December. "It's not going to be Alliance-led, Labour-led or Lib Dem-led. The Conservative Party won a majority. The new administration was confirmed at the annual council meeting on 25 May 2022.[8]. Tom Dawlings (Con), a ward member for Benenden and Cranbrook, has replaced Alan McDermott who has stepped down. The Conservatives 23 council seats are now outnumbered by the 25 seats held by opposition parties. Cllr Dawlings, who was first elected to the council in 2014 and has been portfolio holder for finance and governance since 2019, says he approached each leader of the opposition groups last week but was unable to arrange to meet ahead of the full council meeting. A record 662 new homes were built in the last 12 months, including 272 affordable homes. Meanwhile, the Conservative leader Cllr Tom Dawlings said he wanted to look at new options for a cycle and pedestrian route linking Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. RT @ThreshedThought: This is something that I was never expecting to have to write: @GregClarkMP has written a newspaper article that is full of lies. The council stands at Conservatives 24, Liberal Democrats 13, Tunbridge Wells Alliance 5, Labour 5, Independent 1. The Tunbridge Wells Alliance, a local party formed in opposition to the cancelled Calverley Square development, have 9 councillors, whilst the Labour Party hold 7 councillors. See here @BenChapelard's (Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) response. The Conservative's 23 council seats are now outnumbered by the 25 seats held by opposition parties.