About me: Councillor Godfrey Daniel

I was elected councillor for Braybrooke and Castle, Hastings, in 1997, having previously worked in local government as an officer for Lambeth Borough Council where I was head of pupil and student services. Before that, I was a teacher.

But how did I get here?

I moved to Hastings in 1984. I have always been a political animal so after I took early retirement from working in local government, I decided to devote my time to improving the area where I live.

The major concerns in my division are crime and the fear of crime, poor housing standards and the high rate of unemployment. Also, we do not have a school in Braybrooke and Castle.

My community

Hastings is a friendly and interesting town with great green spaces. On the whole, the people are diverse and warm, and I enjoy living close to the seaside.

The best thing about a political career is seeing families' and individuals’ lives improve. It’s very rewarding achieving things for both individuals and the community in general. I am particularly proud that £3.5 million was invested in improving my local park.

As a councillor, I like seeing the physical things improve like working road signs and lampposts – these things might seem small but they really make a difference to people’s lives. It’s also rewarding when you achieve something like ensuring a landlord does up his or her property, so it isn’t in a state of disrepair for the tenants.

My home life

I’m divorced with two children, both boys, aged 19 and 25. Because I am retired, I have to get by on my allowances as a councillor.

My spare time

Apart from being a councillor, I am a non-executive director of the East Sussex County Healthcare NHS Trust, Chair of Hastings Welsh Society, a member of the Sussex Probation Board and I’m a Justice of the Peace.

My other great passion in life is music and I sit on the East Sussex Music Service Management Committee and support various musical societies.

That means I have very little free time. I don’t have time for a holiday, which is as well as I don’t have the money to pay for one!

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Hastings - Braybrooke & Castle