Jonathan Doughty, Gary Lee and Kit Sturgess standing in byelection in Brockenhurst Parish Council vacancy

RESIDENTS in Brockenhurst will go to the polls this week to choose a new parish council representative.

The position became available after the resignation of Cllr Alan Bartlett, who quit in a row over funding for a controversial roadworks scheme in the village.

As reported in the A&T, after Alan, who runs Streets Ironmongers, stepped down, part-time council clerk Heather Lawrence also tendered her resignation.

Standing for the role are Jonathan Doughty, Gary Lee, and Kit Sturgess.

Jonathan, a married father-of-two, told the A&T: “I have worked in the hotel and restaurant industry all my life and I am now a restaurant and hotel consultant, based in our home in Brockenhurst.

“Having worked in the village and celebrated family events here, my family and I finally came back in 2019. My parents live in the village, although my father has recently moved to a care home in Lymington as he suffers badly with dementia. My wife also has a specialist beauty business in the village.”

He added: “I have got involved setting up and working as part of the Community Speedwatch scheme and joining the committee of Friends of Brockenhurst. I met the parish council when I was trying to set up Speedwatch and recognised then that they have a lot to do and that I might be able to help with my energy, experience and knowledge. I stood for co-option the last time around for the parish council, but on that occasion was unsuccessful.

“What matters is working together, respecting people’s views and making things better. I am used to managing complex, difficult situations and enjoy challenges whilst still focusing clearly on results. I care about the safety and security of the people in the village, working with other groups to make things better, giving everyone the chance to take part and speak, nurturing village-wide engagement and enjoyment, [and] improving communication and sharing for all.

Gary is a Brockenhurst resident and Royal Navy veteran. He told the A&T: “Since moving here just over a year ago, I’ve thrown myself into village life, from morning dog walks with Teddy to joining the running and bowling clubs.

“I’m standing for [the] parish council to make sure everyone’s voice is heard through open, honest, and respectful collaboration. No spin, just genuine connection.

“I don’t come with a fixed agenda, but I’m passionate about building on the progress already happening in our village [including] inclusivity that embraces everyone, sustainability that protects what we love, engagement that brings residents together, [and] partnerships that strengthen our community.

“Let’s keep Brockenhurst moving forward – together.”

Kit is a veterinary surgeon who has lived in the village for over 20 years. He said: “I am standing for [the] parish council to contribute my skills and knowledge as part of the teams of volunteers delivering for Brockenhurst helping to make the village a vibrant and inclusive community.

“The parish council has a critical role in the village’s infrastructure and should be a strong voice on issues that affect us such as changes to the district council, airport expansion and how we meet the local challenges of climate change.

“Engaging and communicating with the range of voluntary organisations within Brockenhurst, the residents and businesses as well as the district council and agencies such as Forestry England is critical to ensuring effective representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for all who live or work in Brockenhurst.”

He added: “I have lived in Brockenhurst for over 20 years and have been a parent governor at Brockenhurst Primary School and currently a governor at Highcliffe school. I deeply appreciate the unique landscape and sense of community within the village and seek to support these qualities for all residents.

“I have spent my career as a veterinary clinician as well as volunteering for charities and not-for-profit organisations. I am currently chair of trustees of Cats Protection, a trustee of Veterinary Education Outreach and a committee chair for the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance.

“Previously, I have been treasurer of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and chair of the Wildheart Trust on the Isle of Wight helping the Sanctuary survive the pandemic. These experiences have provided me with a broad skills set as well as extensive knowledge and understanding that I am eager to bring to the parish council and its work.”

The byelection takes place on Thursday (24th July) at Brockenhurst Village Hall in Highwood Road.