County Council Elections on 6th May: Philip Lunn

Elections to East Sussex County Council and for the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner are being held on Thursday 6th May.

Two people will be elected to represent Crowborough – one to serve “Crowborough North & Jarvis Brook” and another for “Crowborough South & St Johns”.  Crowborough Life has invited each of the candidates to send a short statement about themselves explaining why they would like you consider voting for them. 

This is the election address from Philip Lunn.

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I have lived in Sussex since 1984 and in Crowborough since 2011. I am a serving District Councillor, and Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Communities and Public Health.

My role as Cabinet Member gives me a seat on many important bodies, such as the Sussex Police & Crime Panel, the East Sussex Health & Wellbeing Board, and the Sussex Safer Communities Board. I am also Chair of the Safer Wealden Partnership – working with the Police and other agencies on all aspects of crime within our district.

From the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was closely involved with the Director of Public Health’s department, and worked hand in hand with our own Environmental health team and its’ Covid Information Officers, as well as Wealden’s own Community Hub. Some of my work in those areas remains on-going.

Importantly, as an experienced councillor, I fully understand the workings of local Government. Conservative Councils such as East Sussex deliver value for money through high quality services, and even in these challenging times, council tax increases are kept as low as possible. This is in stark contrast to – for example – Eastbourne Council – run by Lib Dems – who had to seek an emergency loan of £12.8m from the Treasury, because of poor financial management and ill-judged investments.

I would ensure that the County Council was adequately scrutinised in all relevant areas, to fulfil the value for money commitment. If elected as a County Councillor, I would seek to facilitate surgeries – in parallel with what Wealden’s MP Nus Ghani does. Such forums would allow one to one meetings with residents, to explain what could be done – and what could not- ie as a County Councillor. It is important to emphasise that I already have a good relationship with Nus Ghani, and I also know other MP’s – Huw Merriman, Maria Caulfield and Caroline Ansell – so have the ability to draw them into important issues.

I do not believe any opponents have such relationships – and it is clear to me – from statements made, that there is almost no understanding of how local democracy works!

If I am elected, I will use my experience to promote the needs of Crowborough South and St John’s division, ensuring we are best represented, working closely with County Council officers to secure essential services and also to protect this important and historic part of East Sussex.

Main priorities:

• Ensure the County Council continues to provide value for money, through focussed scrutiny.
• Work with Residents to bring improvements to our road conditions, and also continue my efforts with our Police to improve Road Safety.
• Work with relevant Officers at both County and District level, to protect our environment.

Contact details:

• Website: https://www.wealdenconservatives.com/people/philip-lunn
• Telephone number: 01892 601105
• Email address: philip.lunn@wealdenconservatives,com

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