The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Cliftonville division by-election at Kent County Council is Dr Mo Shafaei.
Dr Shafaei, who also stood in the 2025 election for a county seat, has a Master’s and PhD in Environmental Sciences and a career as an Analytical Chemist.
He says he brings a practical, evidence-based approach to tackling the challenges the community faces.
Having lived in Margate for almost a decade, he says he understands the issues affecting the residents and is committed to making a real difference.
If elected as your councillor, he will focus on three key issues:
- Affordable and Quality Housing – Many residents face high rents, overcrowding, and poor housing conditions. He will push for fairer rental policies, more social housing, and action against rogue landlords to ensure everyone has access to a safe and decent home.
- Better Local Services and Healthcare – GP shortages, long waiting times, and underfunded social care are serious concerns. He will fight for better healthcare access, stronger social services, and more support for elderly and vulnerable residents to improve well-being in our community.
- A Cleaner, Greener Cliftonville – Our streets, parks, and coastline deserve better care. He will work to tackle littering, improve recycling services, and promote sustainable transport to make Cliftonville a cleaner, healthier place to live.
He says that as a Liberal Democrat, he believes in fairness, transparency, and accountability. He says he will regularly engage with residents to ensure residents voices shape the decisions that affect Cliftonville.
He says: “Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and greener community. I ask for your support in making this vision a reality.”
The by-election will be held on April 9. It follows the jailing of the former Cliftonville KCC councillor Daniel Taylor for 12 months for coercive behaviour towards his wife.
Taylor had been elected with 40% of the vote as part of the Reform landslide last May when it took 57 or the 81 seats at County Hall.
He was kicked out of the party after his arrest came to light but continued in his role as an Independent until he was convicted.
The poll will be run by Thanet District Council.
If I was going to vote, I’d probably go for him (but as I don’t live in Cliftonville it’s nothing to do with me!).
Oh dear. Somebody needs to explain to him that housing provision and management is the duty of TDC. As it road sweeping and refuse collection. Hospitals are the task of the NHS. So all the things he has pleaded to do single handed are not done by the County Council! The Lib Dims are truly as waste of space. Peter C would be better of voting for a serious party! I live in the Division which is actually called Cliftonville and Kingsgate but includes Beacon Road Ward where I live. The Tories misnamed this as it would be off being called North Broadstairs and East Cliftonville!
Define a “serious party”.
One that at least knows the difference between a District, County and Unitary authority – that would be a start!
Yes, but which of the current parties?
Most of the things this candidate mentions are not within his remit unfortunatley.
Once again Keith Veness hits the nail on the head! What use is a candidate who cannot grasp the function of KCC & what is within his remit as a KCC councillor?
Sadly, the Liberal Democrats are not a viable political force at any level be it TDC, KCC or Parliament. They seriously damaged their brand by allying themselves with the Tories during David Cameron’s tenure. Nick Clegg, Tim Farron & Ed Davey all exemplify the utter uselessness of this luke warm, weak-kneed political entity & demonstrate reasons not to vote for them. The country faces challenging times & backbone is needed at all levels of government.