David Thornewell

• Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councillor for Larkfield North
• Chairman of East Malling & Larkfield Parish Council
• Chairman of Tonbridge & Malling Liberal Democrats

David is a lifelong resident of Larkfield and apart from council activities he is interested in local history, the countryside, walking and family tree research. It was his interest in public paths which first brought him into contact with local councils, reporting problems with public footpaths. From this he became involved in helping registering village greens and common land in Kent when the system was first set up. This lead on to him becoming a parish councillor and later a district/borough councillor.

David became a Liberal - inspired by Jo Grimmond when he was Liberal Leader and the campaign for a fairer voting system in all elections. He thinks recent events show how this is still much needed for Westminster!

He was Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council between 1995 to 2003 and during this time secured the establishment of the Leybourne Lakes Country Park. He continues to be interested in planning, though he feels the system does not give local people sufficient imput and actually ignores many environmental matters.

David was made a Freeman of the Borough in 2012.