Jude was elected as a councillor on 5 May, 2022. Jude has lived in Adur for nearly 50 years, the last 25 in Southwick Green ward. She says: “Bringing up a family and working in education have given me a desire to do what I can to improve facilities and opportunities for children and young people in the ward.

“As co-founder of Kingston Beach Residents’ Association I have for many years been aware of the difficulties we have in providing suitable housing for locals at the same time as maintaining the character of our neighbourhood. I will provide a strong voice to represent existing and new residents while addressing concerns such as excessive traffic, pollution, parking and the loss of green spaces as more construction takes place.

“I know this ward very well as I get around mostly on foot or by bike and this, coupled with a love of swimming, means that I am aware that many areas could be improved. Kingston Beach in particular has become very popular all year round. It now needs to be made more user-friendly with more facilities there. Other parts of the ward could be enhanced by providing recreational areas as well as planting shrubs and trees to offset some of the effects of pollution and encourage wildlife. These greener areas would also support our community’s health and wellbeing.”

Jude’s four children were all educated in local schools from age five to 18.

Jude has joined Robina Baine as a councillor for Southwick Green.