Mary Lawes

I am proud to be standing as Reform UK Candidate in the up coming Kent County Council Election on 1 May 2025 in Folkestone East Division.

Having lived in the Harbour Ward for 22 Years, I care deeply about our community and want to see it thrive. As a parent and grandparent,  I understand the everyday challenges that local families face, and believe Folkestone East deserve stronger representation and real investment. For too long, our area has been overlooked by Kent County Council. I am standing to change that, if elected I will work to make sure our voices are heard and our concerns are acted on.

ABOUT ME

I have had a varied career, starting in hospitality before taking on roles that allowed me to balance work with raising my children. For 20 years I worked for London Underground (now TFL), beginning as a Station Supervisor. To better my understanding of my team, I spent six months working as a Station Assistant before being promoted to a Duty Station Manager (DSM).

Throughout my career, I have always believed in Leading by example, listening to people and working as a team. These are the same values I will bring to my role as a Kent County Councillor. I have previously served as a Folkestone Town and District Councils for  8 years, so understand how local government works and how to get things done for our community.

MY PRIORITIES

• Improving Public Transport.

Campaigning for better Bus Services in Harbour Ward so residents can get to where they need to go easily and affordably. To support getting Eurostar trains to stop at Ashford Station again. New services routes are being investigated to run in competition with Eurostar.

• Protecting our environment.

Tackling sewage pollution along the coastline and holding those responsible to account. Tree stumps around the Harbour and East Folkestone on a large scale.

• Investing in our Harbour and Heritage.

Ensuring the Harbour area receives proper investment and thoughtful planning to protect its heritage and future. Folkestone was built around the Harbour. Looking after our Fishing industry, what’s left of it.

• Enhancing our streets & public spaces.

Improving the street scenes in East Folkestone and Harbour Ward, making our community cleaner, safer and more welcoming.

• Making our roads safer.

To work with Kent County Council Installing new Pedestrian crossing in Blackbull Road and Foord Road, to improve road safety for everyone.

• Standing up for Local Democracy.

Opposing plans to replace Local Councils with Unitary Councils and introduce Mayors, which would reduce local accountability and increase costs to all residents.

• Supporting Small Businesses (SME).

Helping  local businesses to grow and succeed in a very challenging time, ensuring they have support they need to create jobs and strengthen our community and Town.

• Investing in our young people.

Advocating for more funding for youth services and community programs adding to what Town, District and County Councils are doing and to providing opportunities for the next generation.

• Improving Local NHS Services.

So that residents can get the care they need, when they need it, including GP Services, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Chemists and other services in the district.

• A positive future for Folkestone East

Listening to residents concerns, taking action on local issues and working hard to make Folkestone East a better place to live, work and play for everyone.

I love this community and want to see it flourish. With  the right investment, leadership and commitment, we can build a stronger, fairer and more connected place to live. investment, leadership and commitment, we can build a stronger, fairer and more connected place to live.

This election is an opportunity to bring real change. If elected I will work tirelessly to stand up for our community, fight for a fare share of funding and to make sure Folkestone East gets the attention it deserves. We need to vote out negativity and re-introduce positivity in Family, Community and Country.

Local Elections are as important as any other elections.

Vote Reform UK Mary Lawes for Folkestone East.