The following is a statement issued by Cllr Andy Stamp (Gillingham North) announcing his intention to stand down at the next election:
It has been a real privilege to serve on Medway Council and represent the people of Gillingham North Ward for the past 15 years.
Being a Councillor has been both a rewarding and frustrating experience, in equal measure: frustrating because all too often the views and needs of local residents in my home town have been ignored by the Conservative-run Council.
But rewarding because of all of the residents I’ve been able to help and support since being elected, as well as meeting all of the fantastic voluntary organisations, community groups and individuals who work so hard to improve the lives of local people and make Medway a better place.
I am proud to have been a member of the Medway Council Labour Group for the past 9 years. Amongst other things, we’ve been fighting to stop GP Surgery closures, campaigning to Save Chatham Docks, calling for more investment for our Town Centres, and persuading the Council to reduce its carbon footprint by declaring a climate emergency.
It has been a very difficult decision to step down. I’ll be turning 40 later this year, which is as good a time as any to take stock! There are many aspects of being a Councillor that I will miss, but I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my long-suffering family and friends, who have provided me with so much support over the years.
I’d like to thank the staff at Medway Council for their continued hard work in what are increasingly difficult circumstances. I would also particularly like to thank my ward colleagues Adam Price and Pat Cooper for their camaraderie, and Vince Maple for his encouragement and friendship throughout my time as a Councillor.
I will continue to represent the residents of Gillingham North to the best of my ability until my term of office ends in May 2023. I also look forward to campaigning over the next 12 months for a Labour-run Council, which I am confident will deliver much-needed improvements for our Towns and will deliver the necessary change the people of Medway desperately deserve.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Andy was first elected to Medway Council in 2007 at the age of 24 and was Medway’s youngest Councillor
- Andy was re-elected to Gillingham North ward on Medway Council in 2011, 2015 and 2019, securing over 52% of the vote at the last election.
- Andy served as Medway Labour Group’s Regeneration and Communities Spokesperson from 2015-2021.