URGENT UPDATE: “Bionic” peer Lord Craig Mackinlay has officially endorsed Conservative candidate Charlie Leys in the high-stakes Kent County Council by-election taking place on April 9. This race follows the vacancy created by the jailing of former councillor Daniel Taylor, who received a 12-month sentence for coercive behavior.
Lord Mackinlay, who has overcome significant health challenges including a quadruple amputation, described Leys as the “real deal” and expressed his full support for the candidate in an urgent appeal to voters. “Charlie Leys is honest, hard-working, and genuinely cares about the local community,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of this election for the residents of Thanet.
The seat is especially important as it was previously held by Taylor, who garnered 40% of the vote during a Reform UK landslide in May 2023, securing 57 of the 81 seats at County Hall. Taylor was suspended from the party after his arrest, ultimately serving as an independent until his conviction.
Veteran MP Sir Roger Gale also stepped in to support Leys, highlighting his valuable experience on both Broadstairs Town Council and Thanet Council. “Charlie has proven himself to be diligent and hardworking,” Gale stated, urging constituents to vote for Leys in the upcoming election.
Leys, who currently serves on Broadstairs Town Council, shared his deep connection to the community: “I was born and raised here in Thanet and I live in Beacon Road with my partner and our two bulldogs, Harold and Bertie.” He expressed his commitment to addressing the concerns of local residents, stating, “People want our roads fixed and utility companies held to account.”
This by-election comes at a crucial time as residents voice frustrations over local conditions. Leys promised to be a strong advocate for his community if elected, aiming to ensure that the voices of residents are heard. “This community is my home, and it would be a privilege to represent it,” he said.
As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on the Thanet constituency to see if Leys can secure the seat for the Conservatives and continue the party’s momentum in the region. With strong endorsements and a clear vision for local improvement, the stakes are higher than ever. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
