Tonbridge and Malling has a new mayor, after a council meeting last night to elect the next person for the borough’s most senior ceremonial role.
The current Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kim Tanner, who represents Kings Hill, will step up to the year-long position, from Cllr Chris Brown, who has had a busy year meeting residents, supporting local business and raising money for charity.
Cllr Brown raised more than £3,160 for his chosen charities, the British Heart Foundation and Hospice in the Weald.
Cllr Tanner has served on the council for seven years. Since becoming a borough councillor she has been involved in a number of council committees, including Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee, and has also served as Cabinet Member for Housing and Finance.
She has also recently re-joined Kings Hill Town Council, having first become involved with local government at this level in 2009, after taking early retirement from her 37 years of working in the finance sector within the city.
Cllr Tanner and her husband Jeff have lived in Kings Hill for 25 years. They have a daughter, son-in-law and grandson living very close by, and have enjoyed supporting various sporting clubs, namely Aylesford Bulls RFC, Kings Hill Football Club, Kings Hill Golf Club and Kings Hill Cricket Club where Kim is now a Director. When time allows, she enjoys getting together with friends, and indulging her passion for clothes shopping.
During her time as Mayor, Cllr Tanner’s chosen charities are Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance along with Scott’s Project Trust, a small charity in Tonbridge for adults with learning difficulties.
Cllr Tanner said: “It’s a huge honour to represent Tonbridge and Malling as Mayor and I’m looking forward to supporting the many organisations and individuals who make our borough special.
“I’d like to thank Chris Brown for his tremendous work as Mayor over the last year.
The Deputy Mayor for the coming year will be Cllr Sarah Hudson.
Cllr Matt Boughton continues as Leader of the Borough Council and confirmed his Cabinet, which is formed of six members. Cabinet members and portfolios are as follows:
- Cllr Matt Boughton - Executive Leader
- Cllr Martin Coffin - Deputy Leader and cabinet member for finance, waste and technical services
- Cllr Robin Betts - Cabinet member for housing, environment and economy
- Cllr Des Keers – Cabinet member for community services
- Cllr Adem Mehmet – Cabinet member for infrastructure and Tonbridge regeneration
- Cllr Mike Taylor – Cabinet member for planning