Hastings and Rye Liberal Democrats

07/10/2026

The Green Party voted on a motion conflating Zionism and racism. I suspect that most people in Hastings do not feel comfortable with this construction.

28/07/2026

REFORM COUNCILLORS STOP HOLIDAY FOOD VOUCHERS FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY

The Reform-led East Sussex County Council has chosen to stop providing holiday supermarket vouchers to families eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Cllr Kathryn Field, Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group explains:

“The government has provided money through a new Crisis and Resilience Fund to enable support to continue to families who are most in need. The Reform Cabinet has chosen to discontinue the provision of vouchers to ensure that children can be fed during the school holidays. Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access free activities and nutritious meals through the Holiday Activity and Food programme.

However, we are concerned that the most isolated and vulnerable families and children may not access this support meaning that there is a risk that children will go hungry over the holiday period.

It is a matter of concern that this early decision by the Reform Cabinet is one that is detrimental to the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable residents and we hope that this does not set a pattern for future decisions.”

Cllr Peter Diplock, Liberal Democrat opposition spokesperson for Children and Families adds:
“The County Council does not appear to have done any impact study on how children would be affected before making this decision. Several neighbouring local authorities have either made local budget allocations or restructured their hardship schemes to maintain food voucher provision for low-income families over school holidays, rightly seeing this as a core anti-poverty measure.

Even Reform-led Kent County Council maintained a targeted holiday voucher system. This seems to give a very clear message about the approach Reform will take in East Sussex towards people who are struggling”.

02/06/2026

So sad that Reform has taken East Sussex County Council. Keep watching what they do!

Reform gets support from Independents and Conservatives to take control of the East Sussex County Council and immediately appoints an unrepresentative cabinet.

14/05/2026

The final 2026 local election result are in and its our 8th year in a row of making gains.

We are the voice for those who want real change, not dangerous populism. For those who want to build Britain up, not burn it all down.

04/05/2026

Our community is strongest when people come together. In our village halls, through local groups, and at the events and traditions that bring us all closer.

If elected, I will continue working to support the people and places that make our area such a vibrant and connected community.

🏡 Backing community spaces: Village halls and shared spaces are at the heart of local life. I will champion their upkeep, improvement, and long-term sustainability so they remain welcoming and accessible for everyone.

🤝 Supporting local groups and volunteers: From grassroots projects to established organisations, I will continue to support the incredible work being done by volunteers helping them access advice, resources, and recognition.

💷 Securing funding and grants: I have a strong track record of helping bring funding into our community, and I will keep working to secure grants and investment for local facilities, activities, and improvements.

🎉 Celebrating local events and traditions: Whether it’s fairs, festivals, or small community gatherings, I will encourage and support the events that keep our traditions alive and bring people together across generations.

🌱 Building stronger, connected communities: By working closely with residents, groups, and local partners, I will help create more opportunities for people to get involved, share ideas, and shape the future of our area.

Community matters. I’m committed to helping it thrive, now and for the future.

04/05/2026

Flooding, blocked drains, and sewage pollution are issues that affect homes, roads, and our local environment and too often, they’re not dealt with quickly or effectively enough.

If elected, I will work to make sure these problems are taken seriously and tackled head-on.

💧 Improving drain maintenance: I will push for better coordination between the council and utility companies to ensure drains, gullies, and ditches are regularly inspected and properly maintained. Preventing problems before they start.

🌧️ Reducing flood risk: For residents in vulnerable areas, flooding is a real and ongoing concern. I will support targeted action, including improved drainage systems, better land management, and practical flood prevention measures where they are most needed.

🚜 Supporting rural solutions: Rural communities face unique challenges, from blocked ditches to overwhelmed drainage systems. I will work with farmers, landowners, and local authorities to develop solutions that reflect these realities.

🌊 Tackling sewage pollution: Our waterways should be protected, not polluted. I will press for stronger accountability and action from water companies, and support efforts to reduce sewage discharges especially in rivers and rural locations.

🤝 Working together for real results: These issues don’t stop at council boundaries. I will help strengthen collaboration between councils, environmental agencies, utilities, and local communities to deliver long-term improvements.

Cleaner waterways, reduced flood risk, and better-maintained drainage are essential for a healthier, safer community and I’m committed to making that a priority.

Vote Beverley Coupar on 7th May 🔶🔶🔶

03/05/2026

Local. Experienced. Proven.

Since 2019, Andrew Mier has been a strong voice for our villages on Rother District Council. Now he’s ready to take that experience to County Hall.

🏡 25 years living in Fairlight
⚖️ Career in public service as a civil service lawyer
🌊 Fought for Fairlight’s cliff defences
🏛 Former Chair of Fairlight Residents Association & Parish Council🎖 Current Chair of Rother District Council

From Fairlight to Pett and Winchelsea, Icklesham to Rye and Camber, Andrew stands up for our communities and gets results.

Vote Andrew Mier on 7th May 🔶🔶🔶

03/05/2026

Our local farmers are the backbone of our rural community but right now, they’re facing growing pressures from rising costs, changing regulations, and environmental challenges.

If elected, I will stand up for our farmers and work to ensure they have the support they need not just to survive, but to thrive.

🌾 Championing our farmers: I will be a strong voice for local agriculture, making sure farmers’ concerns are heard in council decisions and reflected in local policies.

💷 Supporting a sustainable rural economy: From farm shops to local supply chains, I will promote initiatives that keep money in our community and help rural businesses grow and adapt.

🌍 Balancing environment and livelihoods: Protecting our environment is essential — but it must go hand in hand with supporting those who manage our land. I will push for practical, fair approaches that work for both farmers and nature.

📜 Navigating regulation and change: I will work with partners to ensure farmers are better supported in understanding and adapting to new regulations, reducing unnecessary burdens while maintaining high standards.

🤝 Stronger rural partnerships: By bringing together farmers, local organisations, and the council, I will help build solutions that reflect real challenges and deliver real results.

Our rural economy matters, not just to those who work the land, but to all of us who rely on it.

I’m committed to standing alongside our farmers and securing a strong future for our countryside.

Vote Beverley Courap on 7th May 🔶🔶🔶

30/04/2026

Our candidates for the election on the 7th May. Only a few more days now.

Here is a list of all our candidates standing for the East Sussex County Council and the Hastings Borough Council

28/04/2026

Vote for change and a local champion in Brede Valley & Marsham.

Beverley Coupar stands ready to speak up for residents, challenge poor decisions and bring common sense back to the council.

🔶 Vote for change on 7th May
🔶 Vote Beverley Coupar