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Hailsham Welcomes New Town Councillors

Council News & Services

Photo of outside of Hailsham Town Council offices 

Jenny Cook, Kevin Lawrence and Joanna Crittenden have been elected as councillors for the South, North West and Central Wards on Hailsham Town Council.

The three candidates were voted in during the by-election held last Thursday [2nd December] having received 221, 205 and 261 votes respectively.

The vacancies arose after the resignations of Amanda O’Rawe, Ben Granville and Kelvin Hinton in recent weeks and their election now brings the Council’s membership up to 17 town councillors, with one additional vacancy to fill by February 2022.

Conservative candidate Jenny Cook, retired and registered blind, has been elected to represent Hailsham South Ward, having previously served as town councillor for Hailsham North Ward from 2011-2015.

“I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to serve Hailsham residents again,” said Jenny. “I will strive to represent the interests of South Ward residents to the best of my ability, and to assist with any local issues or concerns they may have.”

“I’ve lived in Hailsham for the past 45 years and I’d like to ensure that local people with disabilities are represented equally in the community, and that accessibility is available to all where possible.”

Conservative candidate Kevin Lawrence, elected to represent Hailsham North West Ward, commented: “I am very much looking forward to playing a part in helping our town to continue to develop and flourish in the future, to the benefit of all of our residents.”

“I am keen to work constructively with my colleagues, across all parties, as I strongly believe that we can achieve more by working together. As someone who loves sport, I would like to help to encourage greater access for everyone. I also think it is important that we support local businesses and help them thrive in our high street.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Joanna Crittenden, elected to represent Hailsham Central Ward, commented: “My family and ancestors have lived in Hailsham since 1823, and I have lived here all of my life and attended Hailsham Community College. I spent fifteen years as a locum for dental surgeries, also working as a glass sculptress and photographer and, from this, have had a lot of dealings with the general public. I know the town and the people and am a member of Hailsham Tennis Club and Bonfire Society, so I play an active part in town life.”

“I care about our community and have raised money for local mental health groups. I will continue to do so. ”

“I hope to serve my town and its people the best I can.”

Town Clerk John Harrison, welcoming the three new members on to the Town Council said: “I’m delighted Jenny, Kevin and Joanna have been elected to represent Hailsham. They were good candidates and I’m confident that they will get involved in the local community and promote close links between the Council and residents.”

“I look forward to working with them in the future and wish them every success in their roles as town councillor.”

Councillors Cook, Lawrence and Crittenden will hold office until the normal election of all town councillors which will take place in May 2023.

  • The political make up of Hailsham Town Council since the by-election:

5 Conservative councillors

6 Liberal Democrat councillors

6 Independent councillors

1 Councillor Vacancy (to be filled by election or co-option)

  • Other candidates who stood for election:

SOUTH WARD

Anne Blake-Coggins (Liberal Democrat): 197 votes

Number of ballot papers issued: 420 (15% turnout)

NORTH WEST WARD

Stephen Gander (Independent): 24 votes

Karen Powell (Independent): 125 votes

Darren Ridge (Liberal Democrats): 119 votes

Number of ballot papers issued: 473 (18% turnout)

CENTRAL WARD

Lesley Burt (Conservative): 178 votes

Number of ballot papers issued: 442 (18% turnout)


Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk