I am standing in this election as I'm proud to call Gravesend my home.

Full statement

Our town is bursting with history, culture and huge untapped potential – but under our Labour controlled borough council, we are sadly seeing decline. For over 20 years I have run a local business in Gravesend and have seen first-hand that crime and antisocial behaviour is blighting our town and how inappropriate development is placing strain upon our local services. – I believe that Gravesend deserves better.

If elected to represent you, I will continue to take action to make our town safer. I'm already working closely with local businesses to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour head-on.

Being there for local residents when it matters most is the important part of being a councillor and from speeding-up the blue badge process, to getting roads resurfaced and supporting residents with everything from school placements to adult social care provision - I'm ready to stand up for you when it matters most.

I believe that investing in our local young people is key. I will therefore use my direct experience in this area to champion skills, apprenticeships, and local job creation. I will stand firm in protecting our Grammar Schools and ensure that every child has access to the best possible education.

With your backing I am ready to continue the fight for Gravesend— our future, our safety, and our prosperity. I am standing on the pledge to make the Council deliver for our community.

About Iris:

Born in Ireland I came to train as a nurse at Lewisham Hospital in 1977. Following an amazing career in the NHS lasting 33 years, 25 of which were spent working for Dartford and Gravesham, I retired in 2010. Having spent a lot of time over the years in Gravesend it became my home in 2002.

In 2005, my partner Thomas and I purchased TJ’s, then called the British Tar. We are the 24th landlords or more importantly, custodians of an establishment which has now been serving the public of Gravesend for 200 years (1823 – 2023).

In 2006 I had the very great honour to serve as Mayoress of Gravesham alongside my colleague The Mayor Harry Smith. During this time, I got to meet the most amazing people and organisations which go to make the ‘community ‘of Gravesham so special.

I have a passion for community involvement / engagement and have, over the years, arranged many meetings between residents, councillors, police and local representatives with the aim of addressing concerns and making improvements. I am Chair of G-Safe - a business crime reduction partnership.

My interests are our 3 dogs, golf, local history and reading.