Lenham and the greater Harrietsham & North Downs ward are set to head to the ballot box on Thursday, 2 October. They will elect a new councillor to Maidstone Borough Council. This is one of three by-elections and was requested after a councillor resigned. The election is attracting interest from across the political spectrum. Local issues, everything from new homes being developed to roads and other infrastructure, are dominating most of the campaign. The candidates are all canvassing diligently, campaigning for votes from a very independent-minded electorate.
It was sparked by the sudden resignation of Independent councillor Kathy Cox, one of the ward’s three Independent representatives. Her resignation has caused a three-way contest for the vacant seat. The outcome has the possibility of tipping the precarious balance of power within the Maidstone council chamber, where currently no individual party has majority control.
There are three contenders. They are Mike Mayne of the Conservative party, Tom Woodham of the Liberal Democrats, and an unnamed Independent candidate. Labour and the Greens have announced they are not putting up candidates in this by-election. That decision may consolidate votes behind the big contenders and bring about an upset result. Lenham ward has a long track record of supporting Independent candidates, a trend that is now being put to the test at this by-election.
Local Issues at the Heart of the Campaign
The campaign has quickly focused on issues that directly impact residents’ day-to-day life. At the very top of the agenda is the row about building development and the new Maidstone Local Plan. The plan has acted as a catalyst within local politics, raising concern about the pressure new development places on local infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and medical facilities. All candidates have been unequivocal about their determination to protect the character of the area, though they are suggesting a slightly different approach to doing so.
The Conservative View
Local man Mike Mayne is the Conservative candidate. He has promised to be a vocal opponent of “unplanned and unsustainable development.” Maidstone Borough Council’s existing targets for new houses are already being overtaken, claims Mayne. He argues that further growth must be strictly controlled so local services are not put into turmoil.
“The villagers of Lenham are entitled to a representative who will ensure that community identity is paramount,” said Mayne recently. “Our priority must always be to ensure any future development is accompanied by the right infrastructure. Our villages cannot lose their distinctive rural identity.”
Liberal Democrat Stance
Liberal Democrat candidate Tom Woodham is promising change. He wants to bring a “new approach.” While he has shown concern about too much development, Woodham has been very clear that greater openness and community involvement are needed when making planning policy. He feels that far too often the general public is not brought into the conversation until it is too late to have an impact.
“Our ward has been failed by a failure of communication and accountability,” Woodham said. “I will be a champion of the residents, making sure their voices are heard at every possible moment. That is from those original planning proposals right up to the final decision.”
Independent Voice
The Independent candidate campaigns on localist principles, free from national party loyalties. They will continue the winning trend of the three Independents at the last election. It is likely their appeal will be based on their team’s past successes in the council. They will additionally promise that local interests of the area of Lenham shall take priority over political ideology. Always a winning appeal with local voters, it places Independent candidates at a strong advantage within a ward where local identity is strong.
Test of Political Power
This is not just a local election; it is a litmus test of the political landscape of Maidstone. The Borough Council is governed under “no overall control.” This is where most seats are led by the Conservatives, but they require the votes of other groups to get a viable majority. The election could alter this dynamic. It could put one of the parties at a greater advantage or cement the power of the Independent vote.
A Conservative victory would entrench their representation on the council and possibly enable them more freedom to advance their agenda on planning and finance issues. A Liberal Democrat victory would be a significant breakthrough in a traditionally Conservative ward. This would place their team of representatives in a stronger position in future negotiations. It would underline that constituents are content with independent representation and do not wish the status quo of power to change.
The contest is also taking place during a period of widespread political change. Last year’s boundary changes elected all 49 Maidstone’s councillors. This fundamentally redrew the map of council elections. This was a new boundary, and this by-election is its first real test. It will reveal useful insights about the electorate’s reaction to these new boundaries.
The campaigns are in full swing. Candidates and their supporters are knocking on doors, speaking at mass gatherings, and giving out pamphlets. These efforts are aimed at influencing the voters.
Polling centres, like the Lenham Community Centre, will open from 7 am until 10 pm on 2 October. Maidstone Borough Council has notified local residents of new regulations concerning voter ID. They are prompting all members of the public to make sure they are in possession of an acceptable form of photographic identification before they vote. Results will emerge early the next morning. All parties trying to shape the future of local government in Maidstone will watch the results with great interest.