14/05/2026
Statement From Oliver Richardson - Chairman of DDCA.
At this week’s Annual Meeting of Dover District Council, the Dover District Conservative Group demonstrated once again why we remain the largest political group on the Council.
I am honoured to have been elected Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group and I look forward to working alongside Cllr. Chris Vinson following his election as Group Leader. Chris brings energy, experience and a clear focus on the priorities that matter to residents across our district.
I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Cllr Trevor Bartlett for his years of leadership, integrity and service to residents across the Dover District. Trevor made the personal decision that now was the right time to step aside as Leader, and I am delighted he will continue to play a major role within our team moving forward.
As both Deputy Leader of the Group and Chairman of the Dover and Deal Conservative Association, I am proud to be part of a team of councillors representing Dover, Deal, Sandwich and our villages, bringing together a wide range of experience, local knowledge and perspectives.
What unites our group is a shared determination to support residents, challenge poor decision making where necessary, and step forward with credible alternatives for the future of the district.
Residents rightly expect local government to focus on the issues that matter most in everyday life: clean streets, sensible parking policies, support for town centres and community events, effective enforcement, regeneration that delivers, and value for taxpayers’ money.
As the largest political group on the Council, Dover District Conservatives continue to take that responsibility seriously. We are not simply an opposition group, we are continuing as an administration in waiting, focused on competence, stability, fairness and common sense.
The coming years will be hugely important for the future of local government across Kent and Dover District, and our Conservative team remains committed to providing strong, constructive leadership for residents and communities across the district.
It was an absolute privilege to be elected as the new Leader of the Conservative Group at Dover District Council last night.
I want to pay tribute to Cllr Trevor Bartlett who has led our group impeccably for the last 6 years, including 3 years leading the Council.
He decided that now was the right time to step aside and i’m delighted that he has agreed to continue serving in my shadow cabinet. I’d also like to congratulate Oliver Richardson on his election as our Deputy Leader, and sincerely thank him and the rest of my Group for their support.
Sadly, at tonight’s annual meeting of the Council, the minority Labour administration has clung onto power for another year. 2025 was a year of mis-steps, U-turns, failed audits and embarrassing gaffes. Missed housing targets and missed opportunities.
Conservatives at DDC proposed a costed plan to freeze council tax. It was voted down by Labour. So your Council Tax went up by the maximum amount permitted. Again.
And this week DDC’s Cabinet revealed that the Council underspent its budget by £550,000 this year. That’s twice the amount needed to freeze council tax, but still they said no.
We believe that money would be better off left in your pockets, and we will continue to hold the administration to account and work in the best interests of residents.
On parking, litter, regeneration of our town centres, planning enforcement and all the issues that we know matter most across Dover, Deal, Sandwich and the many rural communities of our district.
And of course, I will continue standing up for residents in my ward, Walmer. It’s my home and my family and I love living here. It’s an incredible honour to represent my neighbours as your local councillor. If I can ever be of any help to you, just get in touch.
Dover and Deal Conservatives
