Our Councillors
David Knight
I moved to Goudhurst from Tunbridge Wells in 1999 with my wife, to raise our two children in the Kent countryside.
I still work locally at the business I founded in 1987, and I am committed to providing more effective, independent representation for the rural villages of Tunbridge Wells, where I was elected Borough Councillor for Goudhurst and Lamberhurst in May 2021.
I am serving as Vice Chair for the Overview and Scrutiny committee at TWBC, and was elected as Deputy Leader of The Alliance after the May 2024 local elections.
I am also a member of Goudhurst Parish Council, and Chair of the Amenities committee. There, I instigated the rollout of fibre broadband to over 900 households in the area which has changed residents lives, more info here.
Ellen Neville
Being a councillor is proving to be a fantastic way to serve my community. I am embracing the exciting (and sometimes challenging) journey ahead. No matter how long we serve on the council there will always be more to learn and new ways to tackle problems.
You will find me to be a strong advocate for residents' concerns in the countryside, proactive in council committees and quick to participate meaningfully in discussions that can address our issues. I have a dedicated Facebook group for discussion, information and feedback. I am often present and/or partaking in community events as part of my dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of residents.
I was born in Bodiam, live in Hawkhurst, farm land in Sandhurst and my children went to Benenden Primary school. How much more local can someone get?!
In 2020 I founded Hawkhurst Community Fridge; a food sharing project that reduces waste, puts food in bellies not bins, reduces C02 emissions and champions the best of fresh Kent produce in each season. This project currently redistributes the equivalent of around 7,000 meals a month.
In my experience since first being elected in 2022, collaboration is essential to effective decision-making and building connections across party lines.
I was Cabinet member for Environmental Services in the municipal year 2023-2024; a key role in restoring and securing Council finances, seeking out infrastructure solutions for Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, tackling crime, helping those in need and seizing opportunities to revive Tunbridge Wells town centre and, importantly, our rural areas.
In May 2024, The Alliance party voted for me to be their Leader; trusting me to work hard for our common goals and there are a wide range of projects in the pipeline for my new ward that will come into effect over the next few years.
Matthew Sankey
I grew up in Speldhurst before moving away after my father sold The George & Dragon. I moved back with my family some 13 years ago now and love the village. I have played an active role as Councillor having been elected in 2022, helping residents with local issues.
I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard in the council & that every resident has someone they can contact if they need help.
I have really enjoyed representing my ward over the last two years. I have helped countless people with planning applications, some their own apps and others wanting help to understand how to effectively object to an application.
The Cycle Path from Langton to Tunbridge Wells that I promised I would push for is at its design stage and I regularly meet with the team to ensure that things are progressing.
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I currently sit on the Finance & Governance Advisory board, The Audit & Governance Panel, The Investment Advisory Panel & The Property Asset Oversight Panel & Licensing.
Whilst Cabinet makes the final decisions it's these boards give the council its steer and offer advice to the officers & cabinet about key decisions. I use my experience from running my own business as well as listening to what I’m being told directly by those living in my ward.
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In my role as Small Business Champion I have worked with the Economic Development team to help them understand how small business locally work and what they want out of the local authority.
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I would love to continue this work and more, Thank you.
Nancy Warne
I was born and grew up on a farm near Cranbrook and have lived in the town since the 1990s.​
I have been a borough councillor since 2019 and I was elected as the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells borough in May 2024. Previously, I was the Deputy Leader of TWBC and Cabinet Member for Communities from May 2022-2024. From 2016 to 2022 I was a Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Councillor, where I led the Neighbourhood Plan which was successfully ‘made’ in October 2023.
It’s been a busy year so far as Mayor, which is a fabulous opportunity to get out and about across the borough to meet residents, community groups and small business to support all the wonderful activities which make our borough such a special place in which to love, work and play.
This year I am also fundraising for my chosen charity, Wellbeing in the Weald, which focuses on providing support and activities for people in and around my home town of Cranbrook: https://www.wellbeingintheweald.co.uk/