The Grove byelection takes place alongside the General Election on May 7.

Below are your candidates describing themselves and their plans for Grove in their own words. 

Independent: Jon Tolley
DOB: 14/4/1977 

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: music (records and gigs), skateboarding, football.

He says: The more and more I live and work in Kingston the more I feel that council makes wrong decisions.

Not because they don’t care. I have to believe they’re not intentionally getting it wrong. They just don’t know the opinions that are here amongst a huge part of the population. The night-time economy is frowned upon, residents are worried about how their town’s evolving and independent businesses are worried about a Soho-esque gentrification I want to give a voice to people who feel they don’t currently have one, to improve otherwise not-thought-out plans before they’re cast-iron decisions.

TUSC: Gabby Thorpe 

DOB: 20/6/1993 

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: Writing, swimming, going to gigs, and the theatre, playing guitar and drums, watching films and documentaries.

She says: I joined the Socialist Workers' Party three years ago, and since taken part in protests against austerity and racism and for migrant rights. I am standing for TUSC in order to highlight issues such as lack of affordable and social housing whilst luxury developments are allowed to go ahead in places like Fairfield. I am fighting for rent caps and for Kingston to have the living wage, as well as standing against the scapegoating of immigrants. We need a revolution against the capitalist establishment, and to let them know that the working class will not stand for their divisiveness.

Liberal Democrat: Rebekah Moll

DOB: 21/8/1984

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: Baking, community events, local church, time with family, TV dramas, reading.

She says: I have been living in Kingston with my husband for over 6 years. During that time I have been working for a charity, for the council, in the private sector, involved with two local residents associations and was also fortunate to represent Grove as a Councillor.

I want to see Kingston remain a great place to live; I am passionately against inappropriate developments that would spoil its character. I want to see our green spaces protected and to keep our recycling scheme as one of the greenest in London. As a Mum of 2 small children I want to keep Kingston and Grove a beautiful place for future generations.

Labour: Laurie South

DOB: November 1947

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: Amateur dramatics, Morris dancing, painting, keeping fit, politics & the community

Personal statement: I enjoy living in Kingston and want to pass on a town which is even fairer and more equitable, where everyone can find an affordable home, work and education for their children in health and safety. Kingston must not become a hi-rise hell but must keep its human scale and enhance its architectural heritage. I want a Council where the councillors and community work together and respect each other’s contribution, not an isolated Council which is not understood by its tax-payers.

Conservatives: Jason Hughes

DOB: 25/6/1985

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: I have raised money for Help for Heroes via fundraising lunches on Remembrance Sunday, and when time permits, I am a deeply unaccomplished squash player.

Local history fascinates me, and I am enormously proud that Grove Ward gave birth to England over 1,000 years ago.

Personal statement: I’m standing in the Grove Ward by-election because I love living here with my other-half Penny and all Kingston has to offer. Having been outraged that the previous councillor, Lib Dem deputy leader Stephen Brister, only attended one meeting in six months whilst trousering around approximately £12,000 in allowances, I thought I’d throw my hat in the ring!

My priorities for Grove are fighting inappropriate development, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour and protecting our local character including green spaces. Unlike my predecessor, if I am elected, I will work extremely hard to get the job done in Grove.

Green Party: Tim Cobbett

DOB: 06/4/1982

Surrey Comet:

Hobbies and interests: Supporting AFC Wimbledon, walking the dog around Richmond Park, Comedy – especially Stewart Lee. Listening to folk music. Debate and discussion of current affairs. Playing Tennis.

Personal statement: I grew up in the borough and returned back to the area for work 2 years ago. For as long as I can remember politics here has been dominated by the Lib Dems and the Conservatives. This hasn’t been good news for people in need of affordable housing, the protection of youth centres or for those of us who care about air quality in our town centres.

Kingston Council is badly in need of a real opposition voice focusing on the needs of those who most need the council’s help, and on quality of life for everyone.

UKIP: John Anderson
 

Surrey Comet:


Hobbies and interests: Overseas travel especially trekking in mountains such as Nepal and New Zealand, visiting historic cities and small islands around the world.

Personal statement: I have lived in Kingston for over 20 years and my career includes work in Whitehall including the Cabinet Office then technical consultancy and Cisco network design.

Kingston has the highest Council tax in London but many local services are poor.  The cosy club of LibDem and Tory Councillors do not run the overmanned Council efficently.  Kingston needs Councillors who can break open this smug duopoly - and who will work hard for local voters rather than getting elected and then failing to attend meetings !  I would strongly oppose high-rise developments on sites in or next to Grove Ward.