Kit Hawes-Webb

I’m standing as a candidate in the St John’s Ward by-election because our community deserves a strong, proactive voice on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council — one that listens, works hard, and delivers real change, and one that stays committed to the full term of office.

I’ve lived in the area my entire life, and like many of you, I care deeply about preserving what makes our area special, while also making it fairer, greener, and more responsive to the challenges we face. Whether it’s ensuring that local services are properly funded, protecting our green spaces, or holding the Council to account on transparency and spending, I’m standing to represent your interests — not party politics.

St John’s is a vibrant, diverse ward, full of families, young people, and long-term residents who all want the same things: safer streets, affordable and sustainable housing, and better infrastructure — from reliable public transport and better cared for roads/pavements, to clean air and well-maintained public spaces. Most of all, St John’s wants to be included in the TW regeneration plans; the prospect of a Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Council - St John’s wants to be seen, not overlooked anymore.

I’m particularly passionate about:
•    Community engagement – making sure residents are heard, not sidelined. I will be visible, accessible, and open to your concerns and ideas.

•    Protecting our historic town – doing more to pressure out-of-town developers to keep buildings in keeping with the rest of our town, and ensuring our town doesn't just become a borough of London.

•    Fair development and taxation – pushing for affordable homes that actually serve local people and driving council taxes to the needs of the community.
•    Environmental responsibility – pressuring gas companies (High Brooms) to stop polluting our air,  protecting biodiversity, and supporting practical, local solutions to the climate emergency.

With your support, I will work constructively with councillors across the political spectrum to get things done — not just make promises. This by-election is a chance to choose a councillor who puts St John’s first, always.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have questions or would like to share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.