News

Former Labour Councillor Joins Ashford Green Party

Ashford Green Party is delighted to welcome Councillor Alan Dean to the Green Group on Ashford Borough Council.

Cllr Dean, who left the Labour Party earlier this year, has made the decision to join the Green Party after almost a lifetime of Labour membership. After a period of reflection, he felt that the Green Party now more clearly aligns with his values and priorities.

“I’ve spent my life committed to public service and to my community,” said Cllr Alan Dean. “I am excited to have joined a truly progressive party that condemns the genocide in Gaza, challenges the two-child benefit cap, questions how the winter fuel allowance became means tested without an impact assessment, challenges the proposed cut to PIP and benefits for our disabled community and supports a wealth tax.

Joining a progressive party with a philosophy and values that complement my own is a breath of fresh air having had to live through the slow demise of the party I supported most of my life to become “a stranger in my own party.”

Co-Leader of the Green Group, Cllr Steve Campkin, welcomed the news: “Alan has seen the Green Group on Ashford Borough Council standing up for the people with the courage of our convictions and recognises that he can be more effective doing the same for his own residents in the Green Group than he could in the Labour Group, we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Fellow Co-Leader, Cllr Katrina, added: “I am so thrilled to welcome Alan and so happy that he has found his place in the Green Party.”

Mandy Rossi, Co-Chair of Ashford Green Party, said:
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Alan to our team. His experience and dedication to local issues will be a huge asset, and we look forward to working together in the months and years ahead.

This brings the total number of Green Councillors on Ashford Borough Council to ten, representing residents across both rural and urban communities. Ashford Greens continue to grow in strength and support, providing a positive and principled alternative in local politics.

As more people seek real change, the Green Party both locally & nationally is showing we can deliver – with practical, community-focused leadership and a vision for a greener, fairer future,” added Rossi.

Community Champion All Year Round

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Councillor Steve Campkin Leads the Charge for a Cleaner, Greener Ashford East

Kent County Councillor Steve Campkin is making a real difference in Ashford East, leading by example with hands-on efforts to improve the local environment. Steve is committed to helping residents, tackling litter, and using his gardening and landscaping skills to enhance public spaces.

Over the past few weeks, Steve has been at the forefront of a major community clean-up effort, mobilising a team of dedicated litter heroes to take action in Norman Ward and Willesborough. The areas tackled have long suffered from persistent littering by passers-through, but thanks to Steve’s leadership, they are now cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for residents.

Beyond litter-picking, Steve is also clearing dead vegetation from pathways and cleaning public walkways, ensuring they remain accessible and pleasant for everyone. His proactive, hands-on approach to improving the community has been met with widespread support, proving that small actions can make a big impact.

“I’m passionate about making our local environment a better place for everyone,” said Steve. “It’s not just about picking up litter, its about fostering community pride and making our public spaces more inviting and enjoyable for all.”

Steve’s year-round dedication sets him apart, showing that real change comes from consistent effort and community involvement. Residents of Ashford East can be proud to have a councillor who doesn’t just talk about making a difference, he rolls up his sleeves and gets the job done.

Aylesford & East Stour By Election Oct 2024

On 17th October 2024 - the Green Group of Ashford Borough Councillors increased to nine, following our success in the Aylesford & East Stour By Election. Our candidate, and new Councillor Thom Pizzey is also one of our Co-Chairs and has been an active member of our team for many years and we are thrilled to see him elected.

General Election July 2024

Ashford Green Party achieved its best ever General Election Results on Thursday 4th July, doubling the previous vote share after running an intense six week snap election campaign. Parliamentary Candidate Mandy Rossi said - 'We worked really hard and convinced more people than ever to put their trust in us nationally in the same way that they have locally. If we'd had more time I'm sure we could have got that message out to even more residents. The support we received locally was fantastic, and the Ashford Greens Team have been awesome. This is now a marginal seat so all to play for in 2029!'

Meanwhile we also gained just over 9% of the vote in newly formed constituency Weald of Kent which shows we already have a good base to work on there too.

ASHFORD GREENS SELECT WEALD OF KENT PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE 21/03/2024

The Green Party is pleased to announce that our Candidate for the Weald of Kent constituency will be Kate Walder. Kate has been a councillor on Ashford Borough Council for five years and is the cabinet member for Recreation and Public Spaces. Kate is known in Rolvenden, where she lives, for being a hard worker who serves the community all year round, not just at election time.

Responding to the news of her selection, Kate said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the Green Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Weald of Kent constituency in the upcoming General Election. This is a new constituency, but its rural way of life, values and economy have been centuries in the making. I look forward to speaking up for our countryside, which as a farmer, I am privileged to live and work in.” Cllr. Kate Walder

Follow Kate on Facebook www.facebook.com/katewalderashfordgreenparty

ASHFORD GREENS SELECT PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE 13/11/2023

Mandy Rossi has been unanimously re-selected as our Parliamentary Candidate for the Ashford Constituency. Mandy, one of our Co-Chairs has been key in building the Ashford Green Team and the election of our Councillors.

Mandy Says ' It's a huge honour to once again be selected to represent Ashford Greens at the next General Election. It's a really exciting time, the Green Party has seen incredible growth over the last few years, and the new boundary changes give us an exciting opportunity to campaign for real change at a parliamentary level.

We need MPs who listen, who are local and who will stand up for residents and be a strong voice in Westminster'

Follow Mandy on Facebook www.facebook.com/mandyrossiashfordgreenparty

Greens in Joint Administration with Ashford Independents

Ashford Borough Council is now under a joint administration of Greens & Ashford Independents following a nail biting vote at Full Council in June of 2023. Ashford Green Party have four cabinet seats with Cllr Steve Campkin as Deputy Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment & Waste. He is joined by Cllr Dawnie Nilsson, Portfolio Holder for People & Services, Cllr Kate Walder, Portfolio Holder for Recreation & Parks and Cllr Liz Wright, Portfolio Holder for Communites & Health & Port Services.

At the local elections on May 4th, Ashford Green Party went from 4 to 8 councillors, doubling our representation on Ashford Borough Council. Our four re-elected councillors increased their majorities, with Steve Campkin (Councillor for Willesborough) gaining the most votes of any elected councillor across Ashford with a whopping 1,102 votes. More Green voices in the room means more opportunities to make even more of a difference for the residents of Ashford. Thank you to everyone who voted Green on May 4th.

ASHFORD GREEN PARTY