Independents to stand in county council poll

Two community campaigners have announced their plans to stand as independent candidates in the county council elections.

John Moore and Stan Truelove will fight for the two seats available in Herne Bay on the basis that party politics is not working in the town.

At the moment, both seats are held by Tory councillors - David Hirst and Jean Law - and the other main parties are expected to field candidates as well.

Mr Moore, who runs Sweet Magic in Mortimer Street and is a member of Herne and Broomfield Parish Council, said:

"People want independent councillors on Kent County Council to speak up for local people. The roads in Herne Bay are outrageous and they are not being fixed properly. It is the top complaint by people in the town and, when we are elected, it will be our top priority, too."

The pair have already started their campaign by distributing leaflets around the town, calling for people to contact them with their top three priorities. They also plan to encourage people to report potholes to them so they can compile a list for contractors to repair.

Mr Truelove has no political experience but is known for his fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices via his Christmas lights displays in Canterbury. He also decorates his daughter's shop, Down to Earth, in Mortimer Street.

Mr Moore has previously stood for the UK Independence Party but said:

"UKIP has moved on and I still support them and follow them. I prefer to concentrate on my parish stuff and the county stuff. People love Stan and he is very well known and I know we have the support of 90 per cent of the independent shops in the town centre. We are feeling confident and ready to get to work."

For more information, contact the pair via e-mail to johnandstanforkcc@gmail.com

Nominations for the elections must be sent to Kent County Council by Friday, April 5. Voting is on Thursday, May 2.

thisiskent 15th Mar 2013

John Moore

Stan Truelove