VOTERS in East Hampshire will go to the polls this Thursday (May 2) to elect 44 new councillors across all 31 district council wards.

In the build-up to the local elections, the Herald offered each candidate the chance to submit a 150-word statement, setting out in their own words why the deserve your vote on May 2.

These are listed in alphabetical order, by ward then candidate, below.

Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm at polling stations across the district of East Hampshire.

The counting of votes for district council elections will take place on Friday (May 3), with the results published live from the count on the Herald website and Facebook pages.

BRAMSHOTT & LIPHOOK

* Susan Bentley (UKIP) - Has not provided a statement.

* Angela Glass (Con)

A former PA to broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, Angela Glass has lived in Bramshott since 2007, with husband Mike and Scrumpy, the cocker spaniel. Six grandsons attend local schools so she knows all about traffic issues at peak times in Liphook and is striving to solve them.

Angela contributes to local magazines, writes poetry, is a member of the British Legion, chairman of the local Conservatives, chairman of The River Wey Trust, and a trustee of the Bramshott Educational Trust.

She was elected to the district council in 2011, is currently the portfolio holder for planning and plays a key role in how the parish is shaped. Angela is passionate about the village and is always looking to help community groups with well deserved grants.

Away from her council work, Angela enjoys cooking, landscape painting and gardening and is an active member of the Bramshott Open Gardens committee.

* Don Jerrard (The Justice & Anti-Corruption Party)

I am the leader of the JAC Party (www.jacparty.org.uk) which was formed in 2010 to fight corruption in local and national government.

I moved with my wife and young family to our home near Liphook in 1988. My children first went to school and got their first jobs in Liphook.

I have been a Liphook parish councillor since 2011, because of my concerns about unopposed property developments in various sites in the village, especially those in the national park.

I am committed to a transparent and accountable process ensuring any new roads or housing developments comply with the long-term interests of the community, instead of those of unscrupulous property developers often based in tax havens.

In particular I wish to expose the untrue statements that houses might be built in the national park instead of developments elsewhere in or around Liphook.

* Bill Mouland (Con)

Journalists Bill Mouland and wife Jenny moved to Liphook from the Lake District in 1986 after Bill was offered a job on Today – Britain’s first colour tabloid. He later worked for the Daily Mail for 15 years and then from home as a freelance.

A former local government correspondent, Bill has always had an interest in politics and jumped at the chance to stand for election to East Hampshire District Council in 2011. He was re-elected in 2015 and has been the cabinet member responsible for council communications.

Bill and Jenny (who launched the Liphook Herald) have three children who went to Liphook’s excellent schools and then to university. Their grandson is in his second year at Liphook Infant School.

Bill played hockey for Petersfield and cricket for the Daily Mail and now enjoys occasional golf and regular walks over Weavers Down with the dogs Hartley and Pod.

* Neil Niblock (Lab)

Neil has lived in this area since 1988. He met his wife locally and both their two boys were educated at Bohunt School in Liphook.  Although he spent most of his life ‘north of Watford’, having lived here for nearly 30 years he now considers himself a ‘honorary southerner’.

He takes a keen interest in politics and local affairs and has been increasingly disappointed with the deterioration in local services since the Conservatives came to power in 2010. If you look around you can see the poor state of our roads, underfunded schools and the lack of police officers. In effect, we are all paying more in council taxes and getting less in return.

A vote for him as a district councillor is a small step to help correct nine years of mismanagement but he promises to ensure your voice is heard on all local matters.

* Rebecca Standish (Con)

Rebecca Standish has lived in Liphook since 1998 having moved from London with her husband Nigel and two children, Marcus and Frankie, to enjoy a more rewarding environment.

With a background in event management and hospitality, she has now embraced her passion for cooking and is currently employed as a chef. She also helps run a successful family holiday rental business and cooks privately for guests.

Rebecca was elected to the district council in 2015 and has established a strong rapport with the community. She is a member of the Bramshott and Liphook Neighbourhood Development Plan steering group and acts as the link with EHDC.

In her spare time, Rebecca is a keen skier, a proud season-ticket holder with AFC Wimbledon and keeps threatening to run another London marathon. She also enjoys long walks with her dogs, Red and George, in the beautiful countryside surrounding the parish.

* John Tough (Lab)

John is from Yorkshire but moved to Liphook 40 years ago. Now retired, he was a transport consultant, working in the UK and many parts of the world.

He served on Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council for 12 years until he resigned in protest at the parish clerk being sacked. He started the monthly cinema in the Millennium Centre which he ran successfully and profitably for ten years. He also started the Liphook Youth Club which he has since served as a volunteer youth worker for almost ten years.

Social services are under-funded and particularly youth facilities since HCC closed the County Youth Service and stopped funding youth activities as a direct result of the Conservative government’s cuts to local authorities. John sees that only a Labour administration will end the cuts to youth services and provide local government with extra funding to support important community assets.

* Eddie Trotter (The Justice & Anti-Corruption Party)

I moved to Liphook in 1989 when I became estates manager of Bohunt Manor which is now in the national park.

I am opposed to massive housing developments in all parts of the national park. I would like to see the area at the foot of Station Road left as an open vista to the hills beyond.

The proposed building for a medical centre for which there is no finance should instead be a visitor centre and a place where bicycles can be hired to explore the area.

I have been a Liphook parish councillor since 2012 and chair of its Recreation Committee since last year. I have tried to provide recreational opportunities for the young people of Liphook, as well as support for the football club. I believe new community facilities can be provided for Bramshott and Liphook by developers’ contributions from housing elsewhere.

* Matt Twist (Lab)

Matthew is a director for a high-tech, venture capital-backed technology company and a father of two young children. He has seen first hand the devastating effect funding cuts have had in our schools as he volunteers part time as a teaching assistant to help fill the void that government cuts have created (the teaching assistant’s role was made redundant because of lack of budget). Matthew believes the tsunami of Brexit, government cuts and the housing crisis means we are creating a future that is worse, not better for our young people and is adamant it doesn’t have to be this way. Matthew is standing as a local councillor as he believes our communities should be run by people who represent our communities, not just the privileged and entitled few.

FOUR MARKS, MEDSTEAD & CHAWTON

* Ralph Gwilt (Lib Dem)

Ralph Gwilt has lived in Medstead for more than five years. He formerly worked in the NHS in adult mental health as a community mental health nurse and counsellor.

He has major concerns about the way in which East Hampshire District Council functions, its centralisation and unwillingness to allow local people in Alton and its surrounding villages to be involved in important decisions that impact on their lives. Decisions should be being made in Alton by local councillors who know the area and are able to understand the consequences for our community, particularly of planning decisions that involve large numbers of new homes being constructed but without any new infrastructure in education and healthcare or other facilities.

Ralph says: “I have serious concerns about the enormous sums being borrowed by EHDC to invest in commercial property, leading to a recent write-off of nearly one million pounds.”

* Don Hammond (Lab)

Don has lived in Alton for 35 years. His two daughters progressed through the town’s excellent local playgroups and schools. He was involved as a keen parent supporter and, for a period, served as a school governor.

Now semi-retired, Don has always worked in construction with many years as a company director. For 15 years he ran his own contracting business.

Don has been chairman of Alton Town Twinning Association for several years. He is often seen performing as a member of Alton Community Choir, Kings Pond Shantymen and Alton Morris.

Don is committed to maintaining and developing Alton’s identity and sense of community.

* Benjamin Malam (Green)

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change has declared a deadline of 2030 to mitigate the worst effects of climate breakdown. This is a mammoth task and with every day that passes the solution becomes more drastic.

A local economy is vital to a decarbonisation process as the result is lower trade-based emissions; declaring climate emergency (as other local authorities have done) will be part and parcel on ensuring a sustainable local economy.

Greens strongly believe in the power of the power of local democracy as a force for positive change and local representation; Greens do politics differently and as such Green councillors are not subject to a party whip as with other major parties, allowing them to be more accountable to you, the local electors.

* Jonathan May (Con)

I am a local business owner, father of two and husband and have lived in Medstead and Four Marks for more than 16 years.

With my experience in running and improving businesses, I can use these skills to work on local issues. I am dedicated to energetically serving the ward.

I am keen to influence future planning and have been active with current developments within the ward while active in the fight to provide a pedestrian crossing bridge alongside Boyneswood Road bridge; active on reporting/chasing repairs on potholes, while contributing to a community everyone is proud to be part of.

You can also follow my page on Facebook and keep up to date with news and surgeries we are running. So come along, meet me and have a coffee.

* Ivan Mowse (Lab)

Ivan has lived in Alton for several years and has three children who currently attend Alton schools.

Following a career in television, he now works as a teacher at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham.

Previous voluntary work has included organising social and educational activities for young people with severe learning difficulties and as a member of the management committee of a community-run playgroup.

Ivan has been heavily involved in many of Alton Labour’s activities, including the ongoing campaign to reinstate bus services for the Wooteys and Eastbrooke areas.

* Julie Nicholson (Lab)

Julie is an IT professional in the telecomms industry as an operations manager. She joined the Labour Party in 2014 to help raise the profile of a local campaign for “20 is plenty” on residential roads. She also spoke in a Hampshire County Council meeting as part of a ‘save our tip’ campaign which was successful.

Julie has previously stood for a local council and was the chairman of her local history society.

She is passionate about the need for local transport as this is vital to connect the outer residential areas to the main town and its services.

* Diana Tennyson (Con)

I have been a Four Marks resident for 15 years and have two children and a grandson.

Initially I dealt with tree surveys, and then supplied a biodiversity report for the neighbourhood plan. My main concern is working to protect wildlife and habitats during the planning process. In 2010, I founded Wildlife Support & Conservation and work to preserve and protect our environment while raising awareness of the benefits of connecting everyone with the natural world.

I also assist with flood prevention and parking issues in Chawton and Medstead. I hope to continue to work with the community, primary and pre-schools, with our local museums, and with the Tree Council to protect our trees, acting as coordinator to appoint tree wardens – or ‘tree spotters’ – and identify trees with ash dieback.

I also hope to improve youth and elderly facilities in our villages.

* Ingrid Thomas (Con)

My family and I have been part of Four Marks community for more than 20 years. When the village began to grow rapidly we campaigned actively as members of fight4fourmarks, so I’m passionate about the importance of planning and building the right homes in the right places.

I have worked on the Local Plan Review to ensure no more large development sites are built here until we catch up on infrastructure and new families can be welcomed into a cohesive community.

Helping several local families and individuals into affordable homes in the villages has been very rewarding.

I have supported local care groups for young and old with grant funding and respond quickly to residents problems. Playground and adult gym equipment, signs and festivities have all benefited from my grant funding.

For the future I want to work with the welfare strategy to gain fairer and better life chances for all our residents.

GRAYSHOTT

* Ferris Cowper (Con)

I’ve lived in Grayshott for 42 years and served as district councillor for 20 years.

I was also county councillor for four years and the longest-serving leader of the district council for almost eight years.

In 2016 the Hampshire Association of Local Councils gave me the inspirational leader lifetime award for my work in Grayshott.

I’ve doubled the size of Grayshott’s conservation area and eliminated the waiting list for social housing. I’ve also ensured

no further need for housing development for the village. I’ve given over £20,000 to Grayshott voluntary groups through my devolved grant budget. I’m an active supporter of Grayshott Primary School and personally donated one of the annual prizes given at prizegiving. I’ve brought up a family here, played cricket for the village Sunday team, played with my band in our village pubs and clubs and I’m a member of St Luke’s church. I’m a villager.

* David Jameison (Lib Dem)

I am Hampshire born and bred and moved to Whitmore Vale in Grayshott 15 years ago. A lifelong Liberal, I was a founder member of the Liberal Democrats. Professionally, I am an international specialist in the supply of health products to developing countries. Since 2000 I have focused on the supply of drugs and diagnostic kits for people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa. I actively support Grayshott Scout Group and am a member of the committee managing Grayshott.com . I am standing to improve and localise the council’s services, which are too centralised in Petersfield. I believe we must get the officers out of their Penns Place office to understand our needs and refocus on better serving the people of Grayshott and East Hants.

* Larisa Mendresse-Elder (Lab)

Before becoming a mother of two sons, I was a teacher for 12 years, many of which were as a special needs teacher in a secondary setting. Since moving to East Hampshire four-and-a-half years ago, I worked as a volunteer mentor for a local youth charity and then went on to become a schools-focused youth worker. 

I feel very privileged to support our local young people in our local community and believe that a vote for me to join East Hampshire District Council would be a vote to benefit the many not the few.

If elected, I will keep in touch with the people of Grayshott by distributing a regular newsletter and by holding regular surgeries.

* Ted Wildey (UKIP)

I have been a member of UKIP since 1994. I rejoiced when that wonderful act of democracy, the Referendum, resulted in a vote to leave but then watched helplessly as the shameless remainers in Parliament proceeded to ensure we couldn’t leave by abusing our constitution and conspiring with the EU. I would examine the council’s policy regarding property investments. This follows from my long experience as a qualified accountant in industry and a university lecturer, which leads me to doubt the wisdom of borrowing getting on for £200m from the Government at low interest rates and investing it in property at a time when rates are likely to rise and rents and property values to fall. The policy has certainly reduced our current council tax bills but what will happen when the loans must be repaid or refinanced.

HEADLEY

* Julia Deacon (Lab)

I have been a member of the Labour Party for many years - I lived in the north in the Thatcher era and the removal of hope from so many motivated me to join a party that believed in fairness.

I am appalled that in a relatively rich area such as East Hampshire there should be a need for foodbanks. I am very concerned for the future of all our children who will have to face new challenges such as rising costs of education, housing and environmental issues. 

Looking at the district council, I am concerned that local planning must be delivered in a way that will help local people, such as social housing provision in new developments and the preservation of the environment. 

I already do voluntary work locally but feel being a councillor would allow me to make more impact on behalf of the people in Headley.

* Anna Lubelska (Lib Dem)

Anna Lubelska has lived in Headley Down for 14 years where she was chair of the Headley Down Community Association for three years during a time of change and challenges. She has been involved in Grayshott community activities and is an active member of Haslemere Amnesty International.

She had a long successful career in charities/voluntary organisations and local government in policy work, senior management and commissioning. She has worked for Surrey and Hampshire County Councils, Portsmouth Council and many London councils as well as the Association of London Government. She is very experienced in working to get services that are effective as well as efficient. Her special passion is for children’s services and education, as well as social care, housing and the environment.

Anna is keen to provide a challenge to the long-established Conservative ‘one party rule’. She looks forward to representing the views and needs of Headley people.

* Francis MacNamara (Lab)

I have lived in East Hampshire for 30 years. I have worked mainly in the voluntary sector as chief executive of a national charity whose aim is to cut crime by reducing reoffending rates. I have also taught in schools and worked in the social services sector.

I am also a professional musician and as the leader of a band have freely supported many local charity events in Hampshire and neighbouring counties. My partner Janet and I also perform as an accordion and violin duo and present a lively and varied show encompassing many styles and genres from classical to folk.

I am a current member of Liss Parish Council.

If elected, I will keep in touch with my constituents by running regular surgeries and distributing a regular newsletter. I will work for everybody, not just the few.

* Richard Millard (Con)

I have grown up in Headley and it is a fantastic place to live now with my family. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing Headley for the past 12 years.

During the next four year term I will continue to be dedicated to protect the scenery we enjoy. I will continue to push the council’s Zero Tolerance policy to crackdown on dog fouling, littering, fly tipping and general anti-social behaviour. I will continue to ensure that the council’s policies directly benefit and support the residents of Headley. With my councillor grant, great causes such as the Headley Nature Reserve, the Twinning Association and the Village Fete will continue to be supported.

Your issues are my issues and I remain fully committed to work with you to make sure Headley remains a beautiful place.

It is my sincere hope that I can continue representing you for a further four years.

* Lesley Shepherd (Lib Dem)

Lesley Shepherd lives in Headley Down with her husband and has two children. A keen Nordic walker, she loves the beauty of the local area and getting out to enjoy it at every opportunity.

Recently retired, Lesley’s career was spent working in accountancy with social care charities. The experience gave her a real insight into the needs of, and problems experienced by both adult and children carers.

Lesley has always taken an active role in her local communities. For 15 years she served as a school governor, ten of those as chair of governors.

Lesley has an eager interest in social issues and the environment. She is driven by a desire to improve the local community and a passion for helping others. This commitment will mean you are represented by someone who truly cares about working in partnership with others to deliver the services that residents both need and deserve.

* Anthony Williams (Con)

I am honoured to be standing for election as one of the two Headley district councillors on May 2.

I have lived in Headley for 43 years and have represented Headley as a district councillor for 22 years.

The welfare and interests of Headley and its electors have always been my primary concern. I have worked hard to address the interests of all residents, and to support local organisations, particularly through our district council funded councillor grants. It is my sole aim to continue to protect and advance the interests and welfare of the residents of Headley. The council has a well developed financial strategy that provides the services we all rely on without raising EHDC’s share of our council tax.

I am proud of our parish and feel privileged to have served our residents in the past, and I look forward to your support so that I can continue to represent the residents of Headley.