Cllr Mary Lawes, Foundation Party, Harbour Ward candidate for the Folkestone Town Parish and the Folkestone & Hythe District Councils.

The Foundation Party are a party of first principles defending our nation’s historic values and neglected foundations. Their aim is to revitalise our freedom, liberty and democracy.

“I am one of the founding members back in 2018. No party was talking for me. I think the two major parties have morphed into the same thing.”

Tell us a bit about yourself and your party

My name is Mary Lawes, I am standing for the Foundation Party, I am one of the founding members back in 2018. No party was talking for me. I think the two major parties have morphed into the same thing. High taxes, lock us down hard, starving us into paying green taxes and creating an awful sad and dangerous country to live in. 

“We concentrate on local not national issues we can achieve. Improving the safety of where we live, drugs, anti-social behaviour.”

Can you introduce your ward and say what you can bring to the area?

I’m standing in Folkestone Harbour Ward for the Town & District Local Elections. Our ward is classed as a deprived area although there are private and councils housing. The environment is by the sea with lovely cliff top views, fabulous walks and beaches. 

People lose sight of the fact these are local elections, not general election. Local Councillors cannot solve the NHS issues. 

Local Councillors concentrate on local not national issues we can achieve. Improving the safety of where we live, drugs, anti-social behaviour. We have local ward meetings with our Police. Voting in planning for good quality housing but object if poor quality or imposing problems with existing residents. It’s our ward so should be our choice. Supporting volunteers in creating better spaces and bring unkept areas back to use. 

More widely what would you like to see change at the councils and across the area?

There is a severe lack of democracy in our Councils. Main parties get voted in and have majority votes. We would want to change from a Cabinet to a Committee system. A cabinet has 9 selected councillors mostly from the ruling party as it’s a leader’s choice. A committee system allows all elected councillors to make major decisions and it allows your elected member to have a say on the ward they represent.

How can people find out more or get in touch if they want to get involved? 

To get in touch email [email protected] ,go to our website https://foundationparty.uk/.  You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

Mary is also running with Frank McKenna from the Foundation Party in these 2 seat wards.