Rochester and Strood Conservatives have selected Richard Thorne as its candidate for the forthcoming Cuxton, Halling and Riverside by‑election. The decision was made following a formal selection process in which applicants presented to members and answered questions in accordance with the Party’s Local Government Candidate Selection Rules.
Thorne was previously a councillor on Medway Council between 2019 and 2023 and served as Chair of the Council’s Audit Committee. Committed to the ward, he served as Chairman of Halling Parish Council and works locally for the Haynes Group.
Speaking after the selection, Richard Thorne, candidate for Cuxton, Halling and Riverside ward said:
I am honoured to be selected to stand as the Candidate for Cuxton, Halling and Riverside for the Conservative Party. My role is to represent the residents of the ward with the same dedication as our former Councillor Phil Filmer who unfortunately has passed on. My family and I have lived in the ward for over 40 years. As Chairman of Halling Parish Council and a former Medway Councillor, I have a deep understanding of the issues facing our villages and communities, and the experience to get things done.
Richard’s key three priorities are:
- Tackling congestion and securing investment to improve the A228, while ensuring residents' views are heard as plans for the Lower Thames Crossing progress.
- Standing up for local residents on housing developments and ensuring that any new development is matched by investment in GP services, schools, roads, water, infrastructure and other essential local amenities.
- Being an accessible and hardworking local councillor who listens to residents and stands up for the needs of people across Cuxton, Halling and Riverside, working alongside Cllr Matt Fearn.
Cllr George Perfect, Medway Conservatives Leader commented:
I’m delighted Richard has been selected for the by-election on 23rd July. This is a key by-election for us, following the passing of my dear friend and colleague the late Cllr Phil Filmer.
The people of Cuxton, Hailling and Riverside have a clear choice. A local candidate, routed in the community, with strong Conservative values and a clear plan, or risk letting Reform gain the ward. This on a week when their former Deputy Group Leader on Medway Council raised serious concerns about racism and deeply troubling allegations in relation to senior officials conduct. Any vote for a party that is not the Conservatives, risks a candidate with this backdrop winning the ward.
The Association thanked all applicants for their professionalism and engagement throughout the process. The next steps will include completing the formal nomination process and preparing for the by‑election.
