The gauntlet has been thrown down for the county council elections on Thursday May 4th 2017.
Liberal Democrat Richard Rowles was the first to announce he will be standing for election, he will be campaigning for the seat in Andover South, currently held by independent Cllr Tony Hooke.
At a campaign announcement event in Andover High Street today, Rowles who is also a town councillor spoke of highlighting two major issues, “The cuts to recycling facilities, the closing of important facilities to support young people. I will help to find the solutions to the problems which Andover faces.
“Andover needs a voice to speak up for it at Hampshire County Council. It’s clear from the County’s record that the people we have elected up to now are just not getting results! There are those who repeatedly run us – the people – and our town down, what we need is someone who will put Andover first.”
Richard was born in Andover and went to Cricklade College and has recently started a small telecoms business in the town. He would not be pressed into commenting on the sitting councillor, Tony Hooke. Cllr Hooke was elected as a member of UKIP in 2013, he currently sits as an independent having resigned from the party after being arrested in connection with an assault in 2014.
Commenting on his commitment to Andover Richard said “Positive change is needed at the County Council so that Andover sees improvements in services – So let’s get the job done”.
No other candidates have yet to be announced by local parties, but it is expected that the Liberal Democrats will announce Katherine Bird for Andover North (seat currently held by Cllr Tim Rolt, UKIP) and Luigi Gregori for Andover West (seat currently held by Cllr Zilliah Brooks, Conservative).
