Cllr Sue Camp

St Johns Ward

Hillingdon Avenue

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Chair: Planning & Environment Committee (P&E)

About me: Sue has been a town councillor since May 2019, and also a district councillor since 2023.

Having lived in Sevenoaks all her life, and raised three children in Sevenoaks, Sue understands the economic challenges for families, and how important provision of local leisure services is to wellbeing. Once a commuter, Sue now works locally in care services and runs a small business, and understands well the challenges of both.

Her interests include elderly care, mental health, planning, housing, conservation and the environment, and better provision for our young people.

Sevenoaks is a beautiful place but needs to keep pace with the changing world we live in. Therefore it is important to deliver good long-term planning which balances our heritage with progress, to achieve a vibrant and sustainable Sevenoaks.

Cllr Dr Merilyn Canet

Northern Ward

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Political Party: Liberal Democrats 

Chair: Community Asset Working Group

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Movement & Net Zero Working Group

Quarry Liaison Working Group

Youth Services Working Group

Sports Strategy Working Group

Arts & Culture Working Group

Greatness Recreation Ground Working Group

Town Council's representative on:

Age UK (Council & Exec)
KALC (Area & County)
Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity 

About me: Merilyn has lived most of her life in Sevenoaks, raising her family and working here in the health service.

Merilyn has worked on improvements to Bradbourne Lakes, for better sports facilities at Greatness, and the rebuilding of Bat & Ball Station. Merilyn is keen to encourage safer streets around our schools, to fix our roads and pavements, and to clear up our public spaces so they are safe and free from litter. Merilyn works with the Sevenoaks Seniors Action Forum to create a better deal for older people, to encourage better public transport, and homes and infrastructure that work for all families.  

Cllr Tony Clayton

Eastern Ward

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Political Party: Liberal Democrats 

Deputy Mayor 2024-5 

Chair: 

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Town Team / BID

STNP / Master Plan Working Group

Member:

Personnel Committee

Movement & Net Zero Working Group

Town Council's representative on:  

Dorothy Parrott Trust

KALC (Area & County) 

About me:  Tony has lived in Bayham Road since 1983, and served as a Town Councillor for Eastern ward since 1987. He also served as a District Councillor up to 2007, in which time he led the Blighs development and set up Sevenoaks first Town Partnership to promote our High Street and local economy. Tony has worked as an economist in the commercial business sector, as an advisor to major UK companies and in government. He promotes good public transport as chair of Sevenoaks Rail Travellers Association. Tony wants to see Sevenoaks streets safer for walkers and cyclists, and less dominated by speeding traffic.

Follow Tony on Twitter: @tonysclayton

Cllr Victoria Granville

Town Ward

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office 

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Chair:

Arts & Culture Working Group

Vice Chair:

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Member:

Communications Working Group

Town Team / BID

Sports Strategy Working Group

Greatness Recreation Ground Working Group 

About me:  Victoria is a Sevenoaks designer who cares passionately about the history and natural environment of our town. She works with local voluntary groups, including the Sevenoaks Society, the Kent Visual Arts Forum, and the U3A to promote the town for all to enjoy. She designed the 2019 Sevenoaks Heritage Exhibition and has co-authored 7 books to encourage walking and fitness for all ages. Victoria is currently Vice Chair of Stag Trustees.

Cllr Lise Michaelides

Town Ward

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office 

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Personnel Committee

Arts & Culture Working Group

Member:

Community Asset Working Group

STNP / Master Plan Working Group

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Town Council's representative on:

Compassion Sevenoaks (formerly Sevenoaks Churches Group for Social Concern)
Sevenoaks CPRE Committee 

About me: Lise was elected to represent Town Ward in May 2019. She has lived in the Sevenoaks area for almost 30 years with her family, including three grown up children. Lise is passionately committed to grassroots community issues, to creating better opportunities in housing and for young people. She has served as a school governor, works at the Sevenoaks food bank, and has set up a community lunch club. Lise is interested in sustainable food and how to promote it.

Cllr Claire Shea

Northern Ward

01732 459 953

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Register of interests

Declaration of Acceptance of Office 

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Chair:

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Stag Trustees 

Vice Chair:

STNP / Master Plan Working Group

Member:

Movement & Net Zero Working Group

Arts & Culture Working Group

Greatness Recreation Ground Working Group

Quarry Liaison Working Group

About me: Claire has lived near Bradbourne Lakes since 2009. A professional working on design and project management for housing, hospitals and regeneration projects she has good experience of getting things done. She currently lives with her family - including three children at local schools. Claire believes their future requires sensible, collaborative and inclusive politics. She wants safe streets around our schools, improvements to our parks, and the best sustainable design for the homes we need.

Cllr Libby Ancrum

Eastern Ward

01732 459953

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Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Mayor of Sevenoaks 2024-5 

Chair:

Personnel Committee 

Town Council's representative on:

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Working Group

Visit Kent

Kentish Opera - Patron

League of Friends of Sevenoaks Hospital 

About me: I have lived and worked in the Sevenoaks area for the past 25 years. Prior to retirement I was Head of Sixth Form at a local school where I also taught Economics. For the first half of my career, I worked as an Economist with particular interests in financial markets, international trade and environmental economics. I have two adult children who grew up and attended schools in Sevenoaks. As a Town Councillor, I am keen to support households to engage with green initiatives that can tackle the problems of climate change and energy efficiency. I also volunteer with Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees helping to support the settlement and integration of families in the local area.

Cllr Dr Peter Dixon

St Johns Ward

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Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Community Asset Working Group

Sports Strategy Working Group

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Community Asset Working Group

Movement & Net Zero Working Group

About me: Peter and his wife have lived in Sevenoaks for over 30 years where they brought up their three children. Peter has a PhD in molecular biology from Cambridge and was a senior manager at the global chemicals company ICI for many years before moving to the City to advise clients on mergers & acquisitions in the chemicals industry. He has run his own advisory company from Sevenoaks for the past 20 years. A former President of Sevenoaks Lions Club, Peter also played and coached cricket for Sevenoaks Vine and now enjoys, golf, hill walking, running, cycling and skiing. He sits on the committee of the Science Group at Knole U3A and is particularly interested in environmental issues and education in maths and the sciences.

Cllr Nigel Wightman

Wildernesse Ward

Woodland Rise

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Register of interests

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Community Asset Working Group

Town Team / BID

Personnel Committee

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Community Asset Working Group

Communications Working Group

Town Team / BID

STNP / Master Plan Working Group

Quarry Liaison Working Group 

About me: Nigel was elected to represent the Wildernesse ward in May 2023. He moved to Wildernesse in 1987 and lives in Woodland Rise. He has worked in financial services since 1976 and is a trustee of several educational charities. As a Councillor he will work to improve the lived environment, including through planning, and to support the initiatives that benefit the whole community.

Cllr Catherine Daniell

Kippington Ward

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Register of interests

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Youth Services Working Group

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Youth Services Working Group

Sports Strategy Working Group

About me: I grew up in Sevenoaks and have lived here with my family for the last 20 years. I am a chartered accountant with a particular interest in property and planning.

I am committed to maintaining the town’s character, history, and landscape, while striving for a safe, affordable and vibrant place appealing to young and old alike.

As a councillor I will work to provide the best environment for everyone to feel safe, supported and heard.

Cllr Sally Layne

Eastern Ward

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Register of interests

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Member

Communications Working Group

Arts & Culture Working
Group

Town Council's representative on:
Lady Margaret Boswell’s Church of England Educational Charity for a period of four years 
Sevenoaks District Arts Council
Sevenoaks Summer Festival 

About me: I trained at The Royal Academy of Music in Piano & Flute and performed as a pianist/vocalist in various venues internationally for 12 years. I still perform for various events both locally and in the Southeast.

I have lived in Sevenoaks for nearly 30 years and my three children were schooled and raised here. One of my sons was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD which was a challenge for us all, but I am happy to say that all three of my adult children have embarked on their creative journeys as artists and musicians and are thriving.

I have taught music & drama in schools in the Sevenoaks District for over 20 years and ran my own stage school Razzle Dazzle for 10 years.
I continue to offer music and piano tuition in the area both in schools and privately at my home.

During The Lockdown I developed my skills as an artist and I now able to sell my work and accept commissions. I regularly take part in exhibitions in Kent including Art in June & South-East Open Studios. I specialise in figurative art and portraiture.

The Arts help us process our emotions and develops our ability to see things from a different perspective. Art is a tool for cultural exchange, education and expression. It develops a sense of self confidence and can be both therapeutic and beneficial to our emotional health.

I will be liasing with the local community to find out ways that we can continue to offer and support the arts as well as looking at creative ideas to expand our existing provision. I am a trustee of The Stag Theatre and on The Arts Council & Youth Services Committees. I am looking forward to serving the community and learning more about your creative projects and ideas for Sevenoaks.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about”.
Margaret Wheatley

Cllr Chloe Gustard

Kippington Ward

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Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Chair:

Youth Services Working Group

Vice Chair:

Communications Working Group

Member:

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Town Council's representative on:

Citizens Advice Bureau 

About me: I’ve spent 15 happy years in Sevenoaks, where my four children have grown up. I currently volunteer at Citizens Advice and am mid-way through an MSc in Economics, both driven by my interest in evidence-based public policy.

Having worked in the City, covering British companies, and as part-owner of a wine shop, I am sad to see the decline of our High Street. As a councillor, I will work to rejuvenate the town, support local business and always be available to listen to residents’ concerns.

Follow Chloe on Twitter: @ChloeGustard

Cllr Nick Varley

Kippington Ward

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Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Chair:

Communications Working Group

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D) 

Town Council's representative on:

Friends of Pontoise 

About me: Nick was born in Cardiff, raised in Birmingham and has lived in Sevenoaks since 2006, first in Braeside Avenue and now in Brittains Lane. 

He has coached football and been involved in both cricket and rugby clubs.  He still occasionally plays for the Old Oaks cricket team on The Vine and Sevenoaks Town FC Veterans. 

He also helps organise the Sevenoaks Literary Festival, and in 2023, was a member of the committee of the residents' association which successfully fought plans for Green Belt development off Brittains Lane.

Cllr David Skinner OBE

St Johns Ward

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Register of interests

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Planning & Environment Committee (P&E)

STNP / Master Plan Working Group

Member:

Finance & Delivery Committee (F&D)

Movement & Net Zero Working Group

Town Council's representative on: 

Woodside Private Road Ltd 

About me: David was elected to represent St John's Ward in May 2023, where he has lived for over 25 years. Most recently David worked for Save the Children, where he led several international relief and development operations. He is currently Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board of HMP Maidstone, and a Trustee of Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees. As a Councillor he will work to rejuvenate Sevenoaks Town, both its centre and its local community hubs.

Follow David on Twitter: @Skinner1David

Cllr Gareth Willis

Town Ward

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Political Party: Liberal Democrats  

Chair:

Sports Strategy Working Group

Member:

Community Asset Working Group

Community & Wellbeing Committee (C&W)

Youth Services Working Group

About me: Gareth moved from London to the Sevenoaks area in 2002 so that his then young family would have the opportunity to grow up in this wonderful
town. He works as a teacher and in his role on the Town Council he is very keen to
promote sport, sustainability and increase opportunities for young people. He is also a very keen supporter of the Stag Theatre.

Cllr Lionel O'Hara

Northern Ward

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Register of interests

Political Party: Liberal Democrats

Vice Chair:

Movement & Net Zero Working Group 

About me: Lionel moved to Sevenoaks from Chelsfield some years ago to be nearer to his family who live in Brasted and Chipstead. 

Lionel was drawn to join Sevenoaks Town Council after learning about the fantastic plans they were are working on, with a self belief that he can make a positive contribution, especially in areas such as helping residents to reduce their carbon footprint and also helping to make our roads safer for all users.

Prior to joining Sevenoaks Town Council Lionel served on Brasted Parish Council and still lend support to them when he has time.

Lionel works at The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge.