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Poor turnout at local elections


LESSthana thirdof those eligible to vote used the chance onMay 2 to choose theirboroughrepresen- tative for the next four years. Reflecting thenationalmood, the


low turnout (30%) in Tonbridge and Malling served to dilute the Tory stronghold by nine seats. The borough council election has


prompted widespread comment, not the least, from the council’s group leader who said people were “disillusionedwith politics”. Conservative councillors on the


borough council now number 39 (down from 48) – a 47% share of the votes. Nineteen per cent were for theLibDems, taking themfrom four to nine, with other political parties, including Labour, earning a voice. The IndependentAlliance (Kent) secured three seats and The Green Party two. However, the make-up of the


borough council remains true blue, at 39 to 15. In theMalling area, the Conser-


vatives held Kings Hill, Ditton, Aylesford and Snodland East and Ham Hill, with Labour’s Wayne Mallard just missing out by 62 votes. The Lib Dems held East Malling, Larkfield, SnodlandWest and Holborough Lakes and, in West Malling and Leybourne, Lib DemNick Stapleton sits alongside


Tories Brian Luker and Lee O’Toole. Labour’s PaulHickmott is one of


three councillors representing Snodland West and Holborough Lakes. As well as the poor turn-out,


therewas concern about represen- tationinwards suchasMereworth, where only two councillors – both Conservatives – stooduncontested. The council’s Tory leader Nico-


las Heslop, who retained his seat, was sorry so many of his col- leagues were not elected. He said theywouldbemissedandthanked themfor their years of service. He added: “It is was more chal-


lenging to increase turnout this time around because people are more disillusioned than ever with politics and made a decision that theywould not be voting. “I am very humbled that resi-


dents have returned a Conserva- tive-controlled borough council, and against the background of the most challenging national picture. “While theConservatives are the


largest group on Tonbridge and Malling, I recognise there are com- munities represented by other po- litical parties. I will wish to listen constructively to the views of those members to deliver the best possi- ble service for all our residents.”


Vicar finds newrole


THE RevMandy Young has left Snodland for a position at Dartford. She started as a curate at All Saints’ Church and Christ Church five


years ago and, on completing her training, has been supporting the parish since the Rector, the Rev Hugh Broadbent, retired last year. Mandywas previously a teacher


of RE and Philosophy at Bishop Justus Church of England School, Bromley. Her newposition is to serve as a


community and mission priest at St Edmund’s and St Alban’s,Dart- ford. The mum-of-three told Downs


Mail: “I could not have wished to serve my curacy in a better place or amongst nicer people, and will be forever grateful toHugh Broad- bent, who wasmy training incum- bent, for all his support and wisdom. “And to the congregation and


wider community for making me feel so welcome and a part of this amazing place called Snodland which, frankly, I had never even heard of before I arrived.”


Malling May 2019 5


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