The 2023 Folkestone and Hythe District Council election took place on 4 May 2023 to elect members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council in Kent, England. This was on the same day as other local elections in England.
Summary The Green Party won the most seats, with the Conservatives falling into third place behind Labour. The leader of the council prior to the election, Conservative councillor David Monk, lost his seat.
Following the election a coalition of the Greens and Liberal Democrats formed a minority administration, with Green councillor Jim Martin being appointed the new leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 24 May 2023.
Election result
Ward results
The Statement of Persons Nominated, which details the candidates standing in each ward, was released by Folkestone and Hythe District Council following the close of nominations on 5 April 2023.
Broadmead
Cheriton
East Folkestone
Folkestone Central
Folkestone Harbour
Hythe
Hythe Rural
New Romney
North Downs East
North Downs West
Romney Marsh
Sandgate and West Folkestone
Walland and Denge Marsh
Changes 2023–2027 Several councillors changed party affiliation during the term: Labour councillor Connor McConville (East Folkestone), the party's group leader, left Labour on 18 February 2025 to join the council's newly formed Liberal Democrat and Independent group. Independent councillor David Wimble (New Romney) joined Reform UK; the precise date is not established, but he was already representing the party by the time he was elected to Kent County Council for Romney Marsh division on 1 May 2025. Labour councillor Bridget Chapman (Folkestone Harbour) left the party to sit as an independent; the date and reason have not been established.
By-elections
Romney Marsh The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Liz Grant.
References