BACKGROUND
In April 2026, Maidstone Borough Council voted to create a Maidstone Town Council — a significant step forward for local democracy in our town. The new council will serve residents in the non-parished areas of central Maidstone, giving them the same level of local representation enjoyed by communities in the parished areas across the rest of the borough.
The first elections to the new 22-seat Town Council will take place on 6 May 2027, the same day as the elections for the new Unitary Authority — ensuring that town centre residents have a voice at every level of local government simultaneously.
Seats available 22 councillors | Wards 10 new wards | Election date 6 May 2027 | Applications close 30 Aug 2026 |
WHY THIS MATTERS
While Town Councils have more limited powers than principal authorities, they play a vital role as a focus for community action, local consultation, and civic life. Without a Town Council, residents in central Maidstone would face a real democratic deficit compared with those in surrounding parished areas.
| Town councillors can make a genuine difference — championing local issues, scrutinising decisions that affect their communities, and ensuring residents have a strong, accountable voice close to home. |
Unlike many parish councils, we anticipate that Maidstone Town Council will operate along party political lines. The Liberal Democrats are determined to build a strong, effective presence on the new council — and we want to hear from residents who share our values and want to play their part.
Our experienced borough councillors will also be standing and we hope will be elected, working alongside new councillors as part of a strong and effective Lib Dem group.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We welcome applications from all residents who are passionate about their community and sympathetic to Liberal Democrat values. You do not need political experience — local knowledge, community commitment, and enthusiasm matter most.
We are particularly keen to hear from people who reflect the diversity of Maidstone's communities, including those from under-represented groups. We offer full training, mentoring, and campaign support to all candidates.
| ✓ First-time candidates welcome | ✓ All backgrounds encouraged |
| ✓ Full campaign support provided | ✓ Training and mentoring available |
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
1 | Complete the application form and return it to maidstonelibdems@gmail.com |
2 | Your application will be reviewed by an approval panel. |
3 | Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short interview. |
4 | If approved, you will be eligible for selection to contest a ward — taking into account your residential area and where the party can best deploy your strengths to achieve the best result. |
5 | All candidates receive full campaign support, training, and mentoring from experienced Lib Dem councillors. |
GET STARTED
Please download and complete the documents below. If you have any questions before applying, do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing maidstonelibdems@gmail.com or ringing 07808 911612
Alternatively if you would like a hardcopy of the application form please also email or call.
Please email completed documents to maidstonelibdems@gmail.com
Whilst the closing date is 30 Aug 2026 early responses are encouraged with planned initial interviews in late June 2026.
