Your Alliance local and Independent candidates for the Kent County elections 1st May 2025

Ellen Neville - Cranbrook

It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Benenden in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since winning the election in 2022. I’ve listened and responded to residents to ensure that our rural voices are heard.

Bringing experience and expertise to the role of Cabinet member for Environmental Services, being part of restoring and securing Council finances, seeking infrastructure solutions, tackling crime, helping those in need, and seizing opportunities to revive Tunbridge Wells town centre and, importantly, our rural areas.

Paul Johnson - Tunbridge Wells East

I grew up in Tunbridge Wells and brought my young family back here in 2013. I am a paramedic and a keen sailor. Watching the Alliance over the past few years has reignited my interest in local politics. I love what the Alliance does and how they really are an independent party for the people.
With your help, I can join the team to expand the good work and make practical decisions based on my professional insight into what Tunbridge Wells needs to deliver for improved health and social care provision.

Kit Hawes-Webb - Tunbridge Wells North

Kit was born in Tunbridge Wells and has lived in the area ever since. He joined the Alliance in 2018 when the party was formed, to oppose the council's plans to construct new office and theatre on Calverley Grounds.

He works in the Video Game industry and is a proud father and husband. He is a passionate person who grew up playing in bands at The Forum, volunteering in archaeology in Rusthall, and playing in local sports teams.

Alison Webster - Rural Tunbridge Wells

Alison Webster has lived in Goudhurst for over 20 years and her children and grandchildren have been educated locally. She works at Tunbridge Wells Hospital as a student nurse worker and during lockdown trained as a volunteer vaccinator and worked at Headcorn Aerodrome, vaccinating up to 250 people a day.

Alison is Secretary of the popular Goudhurst Ex- Servicemen’s Club and a Vice chair of Goudhurst Parish council and sits on Planning, Amenities, and Youth and Housing committees.

Claire Escombe - Tunbridge Wells West

I decided to stand with the Alliance as I can keep my national vote (as can you!) AND deliver for residents on local matters.

I moved to the area 25 years ago and joined Hawkhurst Parish Council in 2017. This has been rewarding to work hard on behalf of residents and I have really learned a lot about Planning laws in that time; challenging some decisions and winning! I feel passionately that, as local residents, we should be able to influence development in our communities.

Nick Pope - Tunbridge Wells South

Nick was brought up in Lamberhurst and moved to Tunbridge Wells in 2010 after studying in Bristol and living in London. He has been involved in the community, being a founding member of the Friends of Calverley Grounds in 2012 and Tunbridge Wells Alliance in 2017. He was first elected onto Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 2018 and served 2 terms.

Nick was involved in the project to raise £225,000 to build the Calverley Adventure Grounds playground in Calverley Grounds and led the campaign to stop the borough council building an office block, underground car park and theatre on the edge of the town centre park. He organises a town-wide yard sale with his wife and enjoys visiting and supporting local independent food and drink businesses.