The 2024 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council election took place on 2 May 2024 to elect members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in Kent, England. This was on the same day as other local elections.
The council reported borough-wide turnout of 37% and published detailed results for each ward.
Following a review of ward boundaries, the election was contested with new electoral divisions and with a reduced number of seats, 39 down from 48.
Summary The council was under no overall control prior to the election, being run by a coalition of the Liberal Democrats, local party the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, and Labour, led by Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Chapelard. The election saw the Liberal Democrats take majority control of the council.
Election result
Ward results
The Statement of Persons Nominated, which details the candidates standing in each ward, was released by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council following the close of nominations on 8 April 2024.
Cranbrook, Sissinghurst & Frittenden
Culverden
Hawkhurst, Sandhurst & Benenden
High Brooms
Paddock Wood
Pantiles
Park
Pembury & Capel
Rural Tunbridge Wells
Rusthall & Speldhurst
Sherwood
Southborough & Bidborough
St. James'
St. John's
Changes 2024–2026
March 2025: Peter Lidston (Liberal Democrats) and Tara Matthews (Liberal Democrats) resign, triggering by-elections in St John's and Park wards. May 2025: Richard Brown and Simon Davidson win the Park and St John's by-elections respectively. August 2025: David Knight leaves the Tunbridge Wells Alliance to sit as an independent. September 2025: Matthew Fox (Liberal Democrats) resigns from St John's ward, triggering a by-election, and David Knight joins the Conservative Party. October 2025: Ukonu Obasi wins the St John's by-election. 2026: Vic Jones (Labour) resigns from Sherwood ward and Brendon Le Page (Liberal Democrats) resigns from Southborough and Bidborough ward, creating double-vacancy elections at the 2026 election.
By-elections
Park
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Tara Matthews.
St Johns (May 2025)
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Lidston.
St Johns (October 2025)
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Fox.
References