Cllr George Kup has been elected as the new Leader of the Conservative Group at Thanet District Council, following a meeting of Conservative councillors.
Cllr Kup, who represents Birchington and was first elected in 2019, previously served in the Council’s Cabinet when the Conservatives were in administration, holding the portfolio for Community Safety and Youth Engagement.
He says he takes on the role with a clear focus on delivering for residents, championing practical Conservative policies, and providing strong and constructive opposition to the current administration.
George said: “It is a great honour to have been elected as Leader of the Conservative Group. Since first elected seven years ago, I have been committed to serving the community of Birchington and delivering for residents across Thanet, and I am grateful to my colleagues for the trust they have placed in me.
“My experience in Cabinet has given me a clear understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the council. Alongside that, I will be working with a Shadow Cabinet that brings a range of experience and knowledge, and together we are determined to put forward achievable and positive ideas for Thanet.
“Our focus is clear. We want to deliver for residents and put forward a practical Conservative approach to the issues that matter locally. That means developing and championing policies that reward hard work, back local businesses, and support those who need it most.
“We have already seen through the most recent budget that the financial picture facing the Council is not an easy one. That makes it all the more important that there is a strong and effective opposition, and that we hold the administration to account on the decisions it is making.
“We will continue to make the case for careful use of taxpayers’ money, push for greater accountability in decision-making, and work to secure better value for residents.”
George thanked his predecessor, Cllr John Davis, for his work and contribution during his time as Leader of the group.
As the Group`s new Leader George has said that he will offer a constructive and determined opposition, working with colleagues to scrutinise decision-making, challenge where necessary, and ensure the voices of Thanet residents are properly represented.
shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic
he looks a man of the world , what is he about 14 with a stick on beard ?
Give him a few zits & he literally would be Tory Boy from Harry Enfield.
Let’s see what he can do if anything better than rest
Am sure he will do well as next year we vote for local elections last time for the sandwich and harne bay ward which also covers birchington who won. Am sure we don’t want reform to win next year local elections
Kirk Bottoms – the ballot box will decide, not your whims. By the way, does Clr Kup work as I’ve never seen mention of it?
Because the Tories have listened so much in the past havnt they? That’s why we have just seen Reform make such huge gains, because for 14 years they did nothing. And yes the ballot box will decide, people are free to vote for who they like without fear of insult or intimidation from sore losers who were given a chance in Government and wasted it.
All I can think is thank god we won’t have to hear that John Davis waffling on anymore. He does love the sound of his own voice!
Its like Oswald Mosley and George Galloway had a kid.
Ha ha
He’s a very good cllr who actually walks around the area he represents (I often see him out and about). Nice chap too.
I have read the comments and yes George is young but he is very politically knowledgeable. I was an elected member in 2019 and Cllr Kup is one of the hard working councillors and with the support of his fellow Conservative councillors he will prove himself. we need to watch and see Cllr Kup do what he promises. I’m sure he won’t disappoint.
Third leader in how many years>? ringing any bells?
Reminds me of this piece called The shuffle by Van McCoy https://rb.gy/7ehmwt
Next, if things don’t go well for him, he could vacate the Tories to go Independent before jumping ship again to Reform when he finds out how well they should do next year. It doesn’t really matter what you do but how well you can do it ! Lets see how well Cllr Kup does as Tory local leader. If he can halt the development of prime agricultural land in Thanet (not just in Birchington) it will be a good start.
The Local Plan was very much rushed in the end after parties not being able to agree about Manston and housing development quantities. That was down to the Government though, as wasn’t we one of the last few councils in the country unable to submit it’s plan until forced to?
I admire George Kup for not following so many to any of the Nigel Parties. The Conservatives offer a different way. The Nigel Party only offer anger and division.
Nigel still believes we can simply return asylum seekers back to France.
Go on….try it Nige ?
I have lived in central Margate years (Belgrave Road) in those 9 years I have never even received a flyer through my letter box for any parties candidate or god forbid had one visit my premises. Either lucky or live in a twilight zone,
edit – central Margate for 9 years
Both parties have had plenty of chances and blown them, unfortunately we are now looking at sectarian politics not dissimilar to what we have witnessed in Ireland back in the day. People are voting locally according to national politics, that’s what happens when you don’t listen to the electorate for years on end. Now the fox is in the hen house and Nigel is about to take down his 4th and penultimate PM. Get ready for a gun fight, it’s gonna get dirty ….