Lib Dems select 'Dynamic Duo' to wrest rural seats from Tories

The Hastings & Rye Liberal Democrats have selected two experienced politicians to fight the County Council divisions which cover the large rural area between Camber and Sedlescombe.

The two divisions, which will be contested on 7 May 2026, following the reintroduction of the County Council elections last month, are currently held by Conservatives.

Beverley Coupar has been selected as the Lib Dem candidate for Brede Valley & Marsham.  Beverley is currently the Rother District councillor for Sedlescombe & Westfield and joined the Liberal Democrats last summer, after winning her seat as an independent.  This division also covers Three Oaks, Guestling and Fairlight.

Andrew Mier has been selected as the Lib Dem candidate for Rye & Eastern Rother, taking on the Conservative Leader of the County Council, should he be the Tory candidate again.  Andrew has been the Rother District councillor for Southern Rother since 2019 (having been re-elected in 2023) and has had the recent honour of being the Chairman of the District Council.  He has been involved in Rye and district in that capacity and also due to family connections.

Speaking after the selection Local Party President Paul Hunt said, “At a time of increasing anger and understandable frustration with local government, the classic Liberal values of respect for individual diversity, social fairness, and an environmental outlook are needed more than ever.  Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for these values and a vote against the insular Tory-Reform politics of blame, social division and further social inequality.

"We look forward to ending Conservative control of the County Council on 7 May, because the Conservatives have shown that they are not capable of delivering fairness for local people."

Ends

Published and promoted on behalf of Beverley Coupar, Andrew Mier and the Hastings & Rye Liberal Democrats by Martin Griffiths, all at Holly Cottage, Butcher's Lane, Three Oaks.

For further information contact Nick Perry: tel. 07714 330642