FIX EAST SUSSEX

The 2026 County Council Election
Residents are paying more while services decline.
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Martin Kenward

Bexhill East | Local Election
YOUR REFORM UK CANDIDATE

Martin Kenward
Reform UK

Martin was born in Bexhill and lives in Bexhill East with his wife, Corrie, where he settled after completing military service. He built a career as a senior manager for a large utility company – following this, he ran his own successful business. Having served as both a District and County Councillor previously, Martin understands exactly how the system works – and where it has failed residents. That’s why he joined Reform UK who will listen.

New housing is arriving in Bexhill without the infrastructure to support it. Martin sees it from his own front door. He will ensure your views are heard. On the 7th May, Martin is asking for your support to elect him to represent you at County Hall.

Fix the Council’s Finances

  • East Sussex County Council plans to borrow £70 million just to cover day-to-day costs – not to improve services – adding around £3 million a year in interest, with total debt at around £211 million, despite maximum council tax rises.
  • Residents who budget and live within their means deserve a council that does the same – properly managing finances and balancing the books.

Cut Waste – Spend What Remains Wisely

  • Millions are spent on consultants, administration, and management layers that do not deliver frontline services; Reform will review all discretionary spending within the first 90 days and redirect funds to roads, care, and services Bexhill East actually needs.
  • Residents deserve full transparency over every pound spent, with decisions led by accountable councillors working alongside council officers.

Fix Our Roads For Good

  • East Sussex pays out hundreds of thousands of pounds in pothole compensation each year because cheap temporary fixes replace proper repairs – costing more in the long-term and leaving Bexhill East’s roads and pavements in poor condition.
  • We will review the highways contract and its repair specifications, push for more durable, county-wide repairs, and consider all contract options to deliver better value.

Prioritise What Bexhill East Actually Needs

  • New housing must include the roads, drainage and infrastructure to support it – without it, developers profit while residents face congestion and worsening roads, and further pressure on schools and GP surgeries.
  • East Sussex County Council is a statutory consultee on major planning applications. As your county councillor, Martin Kenward will oppose developments lacking proper infrastructure and ensure Bexhill East’s concerns are fully represented.

Why Party Matters

  • Independents cannot shape policy, set budgets or influence decisions at scale – and cannot undo the damage done by the independent councillors who voted to cancel your right to vote.
  • Real change requires a coordinated team with a clear plan – able to influence policy, challenge decisions, and deliver results for residents.

Why Reform UK

Last year, your current county councillors voted to cancel this election, denying Bexhill East residents a voice. Reform UK challenged this in the High Court and restored your vote.

Reform UK’s candidates are a fresh team of capable people who have seen council failures first-hand – and are standing to bring practical experience, challenge poor decisions, and push for better outcomes for residents.

Reform UK is committed to:

  • Keeping the NHS free and reducing waiting lists.
  • Protecting pensions, including protecting the triple lock for pensioners.
  • Supporting children with SEND.
  • Protecting the environment.
  • Cutting energy bills, reducing wasteful government spending, and helping households keep more of what they earn.
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