Hello

My name is Diana Jones and I am PIP candidate for Appleton ward

I’ve lived in the same ward in Benfleet with my husband for the past 38 years, raising a family of 3 children who attended local schools, 2 of whom still live in the borough with their young families, so I am well aware of the need for affordable housing within the borough. I taught at local secondary schools for many years, and am now a Maths tutor, as well as helping with childcare for my grandchildren.

Up until the arrival of The People’s Independent Party in the last few years I was not at all interested in local politics but had actually become very disenchanted with the lack of real representation at our Council. PIP helped me to see that local residents could actually take part in local government without the restrictions of a political party whip, that local people could actually represent local people. Hence I stood as a candidate in May 2023 and had the great privilege of being elected to office. It has been a huge honour and responsibility representing the residents of my ward and borough at the Council. In that role, I have sought to help residents with local issues, as well as standing on committees such as Scrutiny, Licensing, Common Liaison Committee, and the Local Highways Panel. I hope that you will consider giving me your vote this year so that I may continue to represent you at the Council, and to support the good work by PIP in transforming Castlepoint Borough Council.