Maxine Fothergill is the Reform UK candidate for the Sevenoaks Rural North East in May’s Kent County Council elections. We spoke with Maxine about her decision to stand.
“I have a strong track record of standing up for my community, both as a business owner for over 23 years and through my extensive experience in local government”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m Maxine Fothergill, the Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East in the Kent County Council elections. I am leading the local campaign for Reform UK because I believe our area needs stronger representation, real action, and a fresh approach to tackling the issues that matter most to residents.
I have a strong track record of standing up for my community, both as a business owner for over 23 years and through my extensive experience in local government. I decided to run because I see the growing challenges in our area—from the threat to our Green Belt to the worsening state of our roads—and I want to be a strong, independent voice for local residents. Unlike the main parties, I’m not tied to Westminster politics; my priority is fighting for what truly matters to the people of Sevenoaks Rural North East.
I have a long history in local government, having lived in Bexley for 30 years and serving as a councillor in Bexley for eight years. After moving to Sevenoaks Rural North East, I became frustrated with the main political parties and their failure to put local communities first. This led me to stand as an Independent councillor, running on my own mandate—and in doing so, I made history. I successfully won a seat in Fawkham and West Kingsdown, taking it from the Conservatives for the first time ever. From 2019 to 2023, I served as Deputy Leader of the Independent Group on Sevenoaks District Council, working hard to challenge poor decision-making and push for real change. Unfortunately, I lost my seat in the last election due to a split vote, largely caused by paper candidates from the Conservatives and the Green Party.
Beyond local politics, I have long been a supporter of Nigel Farage and his efforts to challenge the establishment. I was actively involved in campaigning for the Brexit Party, particularly during the MEP elections and London Mayoral elections. I was also honoured to be selected as the Parliamentary candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup, where, despite having just a four-week campaign, we achieved an incredible result—winning 10,384 votes and 21.8% of the vote share, significantly improving on the previous 6% result in the 2021 by-election.
My political journey has always been about putting local people first, standing up for what’s right, and ensuring that the voices of residents are not ignored. That is exactly what I will do if elected as your Kent County Councillor for Sevenoaks Rural North East, standing proudly as your Reform UK candidate.
“The condition of our roads is one of the biggest frustrations for residents. Potholes and poor maintenance are causing serious damage to vehicles, and many drivers have had to replace tyres or pay for costly repairs”
You’re the candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East. What are the main concerns in the area?
As the Reform UK candidate for Sevenoaks Rural North East, I am campaigning on the real local issues that residents have told me matter most to them. These include:
• Protecting Our Green Belt – Our beautiful countryside is under threat from large-scale solar farm applications and inappropriate housing developments. At least five solar farms are currently proposed, which would destroy productive farmland and damage the rural character of our area. I will fight to challenge these developments and ensure local residents’ views are properly considered in planning decisions.
• Fixing Our Roads – The condition of our roads is one of the biggest frustrations for residents. Potholes and poor maintenance are causing serious damage to vehicles, and many drivers have had to replace tyres or pay for costly repairs. I will push for proper investment in long-term road maintenance rather than temporary patch-up jobs that don’t last.
• Tackling Fly-Tipping – Illegal dumping is a growing problem in our rural areas, damaging our environment and putting unfair costs on landowners and farmers who are left to clear up the mess. I will push for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties for offenders, and better waste disposal solutions to prevent fly-tipping and hold those responsible to account.
Beyond these key issues, I know that many families in our area are struggling. West Kingsdown has one of the largest food banks in the area, showing just how many people need extra support. Meanwhile, elderly residents who have lost their winter fuel allowance are finding it harder to afford heating, and many don’t have the technology or assistance to apply for financial help. I will work with local partners to secure more support for our community and ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind.
If elected, I will be a determined voice for Sevenoaks Rural North East, ensuring that local concerns are heard and acted upon.
“I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I will work tirelessly to ensure that Sevenoaks Rural North East gets the attention and investment it deserves”
What do you see as the major issues more widely across Kent, and if elected, what do you hope to champion?
Across Kent, we are facing many of the same challenges—overdevelopment, failing infrastructure, and underfunded local services—but these issues hit Sevenoaks Rural North East particularly hard. As the Reform UK candidate, I will work to ensure our area gets the support and investment it desperately needs.
• Overdevelopment and Planning Concerns – Across Kent, overdevelopment is putting pressure on local infrastructure, roads, and services. In our area, this is particularly evident in the growing number of solar farm applications, which threaten our best agricultural land. I will fight to ensure that rural communities are protected and that sustainable planning decisions are made with residents’ concerns in mind.
• Investment in Local Infrastructure – Kent’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand, and Sevenoaks Rural North East is often overlooked when funding decisions are made. I will push for better road repairs, improved transport links, and stronger investment in local services to ensure our area is not left behind.
• Better Waste and Environmental Management – Fly-tipping is a county-wide issue, but it is particularly damaging in rural areas like ours. I will push for tougher action against offenders, as well as better local waste disposal facilities so that people are less likely to resort to illegal dumping.
• Support for Vulnerable Residents – Many elderly residents and struggling families in Kent are not getting the help they need. I will work to secure more local funding for community support services, ensuring that those most in need—including those without internet access—are not left behind.
I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I will work tirelessly to ensure that Sevenoaks Rural North East gets the attention and investment it deserves, standing proudly as your Reform UK candidate.
“I decided to run because I see the growing challenges in our area—from the threat to our Green Belt to the worsening state of our roads—and I want to be a strong, independent voice for local residents”
4) How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
I encourage everyone to follow my campaign for updates and ways to get involved:
📧 Email: chair.sevenoaks@reformuk.com
📱 Twitter/X: @MaxineFothergil
📢 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573026454834
🌍 Reform UK Website: www.reformparty.uk
