About me: Councillor Simon Kirby

I was born in Hastings in 1964 and went to school at Sandown Primary School and Hastings Grammar school. I have lived and worked in Sussex nearly all my life and my family have lived in Sussex for hundreds of years.

I first got involved in politics because I’ve always thought that I could make a difference. Politics is about standing up for what you believe in and reaching for the future. It’s not just what we say, but what we do that’s important.

But how did I get here?

I was first elected to East Sussex County Council in December 1992 for Kingscliff (then a Brighton division). Since then, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Sussex on a number of local authorities.

My community

East Sussex is a place that I love. It is a beautiful part of our great country, full of variety, history and potential. Its people are mostly industrious, self-reliant and caring.

Parts of my division include historic villages which suffer increasing damage due to heavy goods vehicles. Problems also arise from speeding traffic and illegal parking. Regeneration to these areas is delivered through public and private sector investment and is very important to the prosperity of the whole area.

I enjoy working closely with Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, Wealden District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Brighton & Hove City Council as well as our many Parish and Town Councils.

I am also particularly pleased at having been instrumental in facilitating the likely investment of some £250 million to improve and develop Newhaven’s port area. I am excited about the prospect of providing much needed jobs for the people of Newhaven and its surrounding area.

My home life

I am married to Elizabeth, who is the mother of my six children.

My spare time

I have been an active member of the Conservative Party for nearly twenty years and I am currently the parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown.

My ambition is to help make East Sussex an even better place in which to work and live. A place to be even more proud of and a place held in even higher regard by others. Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Pevensey & Westham