Councillor Jim Gilbourne has represented Hempstead and Wigmore since May 2023. With more than 30 years’ experience in the mutual and charitable financial services sector, he brings extensive professional insight alongside a strong commitment to his local community.
Jim is actively involved in a wide range of community initiatives. He recently stepped down as Church Warden for All Saints’ Church in Hempstead, is Founder and Chair of The Hempstead Players amateur dramatics group, and currently serves as Chair of the Hempstead Village Fayre Group. He is also a member of the steering group for the Friends of the Flying Saucer.
Since his election, Jim has played an active role on several key committees, including the Planning Committee and the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and serves as a councillor-appointed trustee of Young Medway.
Jim is passionate about representing residents across Medway and is particularly focused on ensuring that local voices are heard in relation to future development, including challenging the scale of proposed housing growth within the emerging Medway Local Plan.
