15 decide to opt out of council re-election

OF the current 54 members of Sevenoaks District Council, 15 have opted not to stand for re-election next month.

Some, like John Lankester and Peter Coates are moving away, while others, like Felicity Broomby and George Fodor have stood down as they can no longer commit to the role.

Tory district councillor for Dunton Green and Riverhead Mr Lankester explained: “All three of our daughters are in Hampshire and we have always intended to move.”

Mrs Broomby, Tory representative for Sevenoaks Kippington, explained: “I have been doing it for 16 years and last year my husband was very ill. Sometimes it is best to let other people have a go.”

District councillors stepping down: Stephen Arnold (Hartley/Hodsoll Street ward), John Brigden (Sevenoaks Northern), Felicity Broomby (Sevenoaks Kippington), Clive Bruce (Ash/New Ash Green), Rachel Chard (Seal/Weald), Peter Coates (Seal/Weald), Hugh Darrington (Eynsford), Nick Dean (Brasted, Chevening and Sundridge), George Fodor (Otford/Shoreham), John Lankester (Dunton Green/Riverhead), Keith Loney (Sevenoaks Town & St John’s) and Emma Moore (Kemsing).