Boost For Local Conservatives

One of the Borough Councillors for the Rural Tunbridge Wells area, David Knight, has switched from the Tunbridge Wells Alliance Party to the Conservatives.

Cllr Knight said his decision was driven by his view that independent parties will not easily be able to address the serious challenges facing the country and the local council.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance said it was sorry to lose David Knight, and was a "little surprising" that he was leaving a party that was independent of national politics.

In a statement, Cllr Knight said he wanted to work with a party that could deliver across Tunbridge Wells and the wider Weald.

David Knight said: “My priority has always been to deliver results for our local residents, such as the fibre broadband rollout in Goudhurst.

"After much careful thought, I believe I can best continue to deliver results by joining the Conservatives and working with a team that shares my focus on safer streets, value for money for taxpayers, and protecting the character of our towns and villages.

"The Conservatives at TWBC have a real understanding of what the Council needs to deliver between now and the formation of a Unitary Authority in complete contrast to the Liberal Democrats.

David Knight concluded: "I am grateful to all my colleagues that I have worked with before and wish them well. This is about delivering better results and putting our residents first.”

The Chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, Nick Pope (pictured below), told West Kent Radio: "David Knight has been an energetic and effective Alliance councillor working for the local residents in the ward of Rural Tunbridge Wells which covers a number of villages including Goudhurst, Lamberhurst, Matfield, Horsmonden and Brenchley."

Nick Pope continued: "I am sorry to see David leave the Alliance, an independent party that prides itself on working hard for residents.

"David was particularly keen on being independent of the national parties, so it is a little surprising to see him join the Conservative Party even though he had previously been a member several years ago. I wish him well.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance now has 3 councillors left on the Borough Council. They are Matthew Sankey (Rusthall & Speldhurst) , Ellen Neville (Hawkhurst, Sandhurst & Benenden), Nancy Warne (Cranbrook, Sissinghurst & Frittenden).

The Borough now has Liberal Democrats controlling the council with 22 seats, Conservatives on 8, Labour 5, TW Alliance 3 and Independents for Tunbridge Wells Group 1.

Responding to David Knight's defection, the leader of the Conservative group, Tom Dawlings (pictured below), said: “I have known David for many years and I’m delighted to welcome him to the party. He brings energy, experience and a determination to get things done.

Tom Dawlings continued: "Together we will continue our work on protecting the heritage of our villages, delivering vital Council services, and ensuring the Council listens to residents.”

William Rutherford, Chair of the Tunbridge Wells Conservatives, said: “David’s decision reflects a growing desire for constructive, common‑sense leadership. We look forward to supporting him as part of our Conservative team.

"It is only the Conservatives who will provide effective action, not just words when it comes to protecting our local villages".

A statement from the Tunbridge Wells Conservatives said Cllr Knight will be working together with the Rural Tunbridge Wells ward's two other councillors - Tom Mobbs and Lynne Darrah (both Conservatives), on the key priorities including:
• Protecting green spaces and the special character of our borough.
• Tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting neighbourhood policing.
• Backing local shops and small businesses
• Sensible, sustainable finances that deliver value for money.