Dear Resident I pay tribute to Ian Grundy, whose seat is now sadly vacant following his recent passing.

Full statement

It is sad and disrespectful to Ian that the by-election has been called so soon, but I am happy to stand as I know he would have wanted me to do so. Ian will leave big shoes for me to fill, and I know that I will have to ‘hit the ground running’ and I will try very hard to do just that. I have lived in the area for over 30 years; I was parish clerk for Sandon for 14 of those years and for the last five years I have been a City Councillor for the Bicknacre, East and West Hanningfield Ward. I was privileged to have served the City as Mayor during 2022-23 and I am currently Vice Chair of the Planning Committee. I understand rural issues, especially the need to protect our environment from unsuitable development where the infrastructure cannot support it. As a horse rider, I understand the dangers of our rural lanes for vulnerable users and will work hard to reduce the speed of traffic within our villages – the fatality in Stock last year was tragic and this cannot happen again. I am tenacious, hardworking and if you elect me as your county councillor on 12th December, I will do my best to find solutions to those issues that residents raise with me. I am a local resident with the right experience to do the job! Best wishes Sue Dobson Conservative Candidate for Stock Division