Conservatives announce candidates for Kenilworth elections

By James Smith

23rd Apr 2023 | Local News

The Conservatives have put forward 10 candidates across the two elections
The Conservatives have put forward 10 candidates across the two elections

The local Conservatives have announced further details of their candidates standing in the local town and district council elections this May.

Residents will take to the polls on Thursday, May 4, to vote in councillors for Warwick District Council and Kenilworth Town Council.

For the latter, 17 representatives will be elected across five wards. Meanwhile nine councillors will represent the town on the district council.

The Tories have put forward 10 candidates, some of whom are standing in both elections.

Here are the details for all the Conservative candidates for Warwick District Council:

Abbey & Arden

John Cooke - who currently sits on all three local councils - is set to run again at district level.

He said: "I have over 40 years' experience in local government and this has enabled me to help with many residents issues and problems over many years.

"I am a planning specialist currently leading on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan which we hope to complete at the end of 2025.

"It is important that working with Stratford we get this important statutory document right and that we make sure all development helps preserve the excellent way of life that we currently enjoy."

John Cooke

He is joined by current deput leader Richard Hales who said it has been a "pleasure" to have served on the council for the past four years.

He added: ".I have been active as your councillor and have got involved with a number of local issues, including helping the volunteers who worked so hard in the summer with the issue regarding the fish in Abbey Fields and issues with speeding.

"Aside from my council work I am also Vice Chair of Trustees at Kenilworth School & have been involved in the new school building for the last 12 years, which will be fantastic for the students & also the wider community with its enhanced facilities.

"I also help coach (as best I can!) with my son's rugby team Kenilworth Rugby Club and his football team."

Richard Hales

Making up the Conservative trio for Abbey & Arden is Janet Gee, who has sat on Beausale, Haseley, Honiley and Wroxall Parish Council for over a decade.

She said: "One of my main campaigns was preventing a traveller encampment at Brownley Green.

"Working with the community we are leading the opposition to a proposed solar darm at Honiley.

"I believe that these developments would fundamentally change the nature of our communities, and our beautiful Arden landscape.

"I am promoting a sustainable and open countryside for all is augmented by my role as a Trustee for Warwickshire CPRE."

Janet Gee

Park Hill

Former statistician Felicity Bunker is standing in Park Hill for the Conservatives.

She said: "I am involved with local organisations, which I hope have a positive influence on our town, and would like to learn of the things that are important to all our residents and promote those that can make Kenilworth an even better place to live.

"Locally we do not have the authority to change all the things we would like to change, but hope we can have influence on what can improve.

"I have been involved in Park Hill for a number of years, but there is always something new to learn."

Felicity Bunker

She is joined by Malcolm Graham who moved to the area some 25 years agao to work at GEC Plessey Communications.

"Having ceased full time working two years ago I now have the time and the desire to give something back to the community," he said.

"Given my working career was all about 'delivery', whether it was motor vehicle manufacture with Vauxhall Motors, or Telecomm and IT networks with GPT and Fujitsu, it was always about delivery and results.

"So I hope to apply the set of skills and experiences I've acquired over the years to help you and our community in any way I can by getting stuck in, getting things moving and to achieve results for the benefit of the ward."

Malcolm Graham

The third prospective Tory councillor in the ward is Frances Lasok, a history graduate from the University of Warwick.

"I came to this area for the first time aged 18 and fell in love with it then," she said.

"And as I grew older, I started to see how much of the things we care about – our shops, our schools, our surroundings – are influenced by local policy. And that got me into local government.

"In my career, I've spent a lot of time building teams, providing training and working out how to get things done.

"That's what I can bring to our community here in Kenilworth, alongside the determination and drive to deliver results."

Frances Lasok

St John's

Andy Metcalf is standing in St John's ward.

He said: "I care passionately about our community in Kenilworth.

"After years experience in project management I now work part time locally for a major charity in social care and I am a trustee of a charity in Kenilworth.

"I get frustrated when I don't know what is being planned by the council which makes me committed to making sure you are kept informed and have a say on local issues in St John's that may affect you."

Andy Metcalf

He is joined by current town and county councillor Rik Spencer.

"As a local councillor, I have been working hard for Kenilworth," he said.

"Locally, you will have seen road safety improvements at St John's, Clinton and St Nicholas primary schools.

"Tree maintenance projects which started last year on Priory and Waverley Roads are now rolling out across the whole of St John's.

"And for cyclists amongst you, improvements to road safety signage on Rouncil Lane to name just a few improvements I've been working on in our area.

"I don't just talk about stuff, I get things done."

Rik Spencer

Isabella Moore is also standing for the Tories in St John's.

"As a local businesswoman I am focussed on securing jobs and investment for Kenilworth," she explained.

"I am a linguist and love connecting communities.

"I am also campaigning for more women to make their voices heard on the local council.

"I am also keen to improve social care for the elderly and for those suffering from dementia."

Isabella Moore

Here are the details for all the Conservative candidates for Kenilworth Town Council:

Kenilworth Abbey

John Cooke and Richard Hales are also hoping to represent the Conservatives at Kenilworth Town Council.

Kenilworth Borrowell

Andy Metcalf is also standing for a town council seat.

Kenilworth Dalehouse

Joanna Illingworth is the Tory candidate in Dalehouse ward.

Kenilworth Park Hill

Felicity Bunker and Malcolm Graham are also doubling up for town and district elections.

Kenilworth St. John`s

Having first been elected to KTC in a by-election, Rik Spencer is looking to serve his first full term on the town council.

See the full list of Kenilworth Town Council candidates here. And click here for Warwick District Council.

     

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