There will be a full Horsham District Council election on Thursday 4 May. This year Henfield Parish Council is uncontested so there is no election for Parish Councillors. If you are registered to vote in person, you will be required to show an approved form of photo identity (ID) at the polling station. The most commonly used photo ID include:
Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an European Economic Area state or a Commonwealth country
Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an European Economic Area state (including provisional)
European Economic Area ID Card
UK Biometric Residence Permit
An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)*
A Blue Badge
A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (For example West Sussex County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card.)
Photo ID will still be accepted even where they have expired, provided that the photograph remains a good likeness of the elector. All documents must be original.
We asked all the Henfield candidates to tell us a little about themselves and their priorities, those who wished to be included are featured here. Please use your democratic vote.
Local candidates standing in the Henfield Ward:
Fiona Ayres - Labour Party Candidate
“Being the owner of Stokes Newsagents in Henfield High Street I speak to residents every day and they keep me informed about what practical help and support they need, alongside what works for the community. As a previous councillor and with my business experience, I have the skills to know how to push the council to deliver practical results to improve services.
If elected I plan to represent the people of Henfield in the local district issues that are important to them. In particular, there needs to be a planning Local Plan policy in place to provide affordable housing for younger residents and those in need. We need a sustainable solution in terms of where they are built that meets local needs and protects our environment. In addition our local community relies on fabulous voluntary work supporting our youth, parent & toddler groups, and local food banks. As your local councillor I will work to provide better support from the council for these vital activities. I will look, listen, act and report back to the community.”
Malcolm Eastwood - Independent Candidate
“If you don’t believe that party politics should dictate what happens in local government please vote for me as your Independent District Councillor. You need a candidate who will represent you and your interests. I am the right choice because:
Knowledge of Henfield: I have lived in Henfield for 28 years - what happens in our community is as important to me as it is to you. I understand the village’s needs, the people who live here and you can trust me to always put our community first.
Working for Henfield: I have been Chairman of Henfield Parish Council for the last 6 years. I know how both Henfield and Local Government work which is hugely important for a District Councillor.
Delivering for Henfield: My track record includes successfully fighting-off rogue developers and winning significant funds to deliver projects for all of our community.
Henfield has a long tradition of electing an Independent District Councillor. I want to continue Mike Morgan’s work but I can only do it with your support and your vote.”
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Josh Potts - Conservative Party Candidate
“As a local farmer I am proud and fortunate to call Henfield home. It is a special place to live.
It has been a challenging time for all not least given the impact of Covid 19 and the cost of living crisis but representing Henfield as Horsham District Councillor and as Cabinet member for the Environment and Rural Affairs has been a great privilege and incredibly rewarding.
My three priorities are to:
Protect our rural community by guarding against unsustainable housing numbers and fighting for the right homes in the right places.
Protect and enhance our environment by reducing our carbon emissions and improving biodiversity.
Support residents and local businesses through the cost of living crisis.
Some notable achievements include: successfully opposed a new market town on Henfield’s doorstep and other speculative development; launched the Wilder Horsham District Initiative; the Community Climate Fund for groups to reduce carbon levels locally; the Rural Prosperity Fund which supports the development and growth of rural businesses.”
Gill Perry - Green Party Candidate
“It’s an honour to have been selected to stand for the Henfield Ward as your Green Party Candidate. I’ve lived in Henfield for six years and in Sussex for over 35 years. I love it here and I am deeply committed to working with and for our Henfield community. A retired Headteacher, I’ve been a Henfield Parish Councillor since 2018 and chair the Recreation and Open Spaces Committee. I’m also a representative on Henfield Community Partnership.
It would be great if Henfield’s Community had a Green to represent our village at Horsham District Council, when clearly Green issues are so close to many hearts around here. If elected as your Henfield ward councillor on Horsham District Council my ongoing priority will be to speak up at Horsham Council for residents and I will:
Work hard for residents all-year round
Make sure Henfield is not ignored
Speak up against over-development.
It’s very exciting that our Green team is growing rapidly. It would be a delight to work together at Council to protect what matters most to us all.”
Other candidates:
Jon Dane & Robert Mohamed - Liberal Democrat Party
Sian Leaver - Green Party Candidate