ABOUT
Find out more about our work, campaigns and how to help make our local area better for all.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the website of the Weald of Kent Labour Party. We were inaugurated following the 2023 Boundary Commission proposal to establish the new Weald of Kent parliamentary constituency. The Weald of Kent is one of the most rural constituencies in England and includes just two towns – Cranbrook and Tenterden – and about eighty villages. Three Borough Councils serve Weald of Kent residents – Ashford, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells. We are fortunate to be part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but, like many rural communities in Britain, face major social and economic challenges.
We are determined to provide a voice and campaigns for people in the Weald of Kent who are sick and tired of being taken for granted by the Conservatives. For too long the Tory’s in Kent behave as if they were born to rule in our Boroughs and in the House of Commons but after fourteen years of failure, chaos, and cronyism a change in government is long overdue. Britain needs to re-energize the economy, restore our environment, and revitalize our democracy. If you share our values of freedom and fairness, diversity and democracy, security and social progress please join us now.
Priti Paintal – Chair
David Ward – Secretary
OUR PRIORITIES
A major priority of the Weald of Kent Labour Party will be rural issues. Our key focus areas are:
- Tackling persistent rural disadvantages caused by reduced access to essential services (such as affordable housing, banking & post offices, digital connectivity, health, policing, public transport, schools, and social care), low pay & weak employment rights, higher housing and transport costs, and ageing populations.
- Promoting an economic agenda of green growth and social inclusion that will support resilient and sustainable communities, investment in small business & skills development, and high-quality food produced by climate-friendly farming.
- Preserving the natural beauty of the countryside for everyone and sustaining the quality of life enjoyed by those living in and visiting rural areas.
The Weald of Kent aims to be an inclusive and lively forum for debate and local campaigning. We are the main challenger to the Conservatives in the Parliamentary constituency and well placed to make gains in local Borough Council elections. We hold eight All Member Meetings each year, usually on Tuesdays in January, March, April, June, July, October, November, and December. We also play an active part in the Labour Party nationally including Annual Conference, the National Policy Forum, the Women’s Conference, and our Southeast Regional Conference. We strongly believe that the vitality of Britain’s democracy depends on participation so if you want to help us build a better Britain you will be warmly welcomed in the Weald of Kent Labour Party.
Our Officers
Chair: Priti Paintal
Vice-Chair Campaigns and Membership: Ann Hawthorne
Secretary: David Ward
Treasurer: Janet White
Women’s Officer: Emma MacLennan
Trade Union Liaison Officer: Kathy Walters
Youth Officer: Carter Powell
Auditors: Rory Silkin and Bryan Hirst
GET IN TOUCH
Do you want to join and help Labour in our local area? Join us today and help make our local area better for all under a Labour government.
Please use the contact form to get in touch with us and find out how to support our campaign. Please remember to provide as many details as possible, including your name, address and full details of your issue.
