Following the Annual Meeting of the Maidstone Borough Council held on the 18th May 2011, Fran Wilson, leader of the Liberal Democrats has announced the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet who are:

Fran Wilson, Opposition Leader

Fran has lived in Maidstone for over 35 years. Before taking early retirement to concentrate on her duties as a borough councillor, she gained a wide knowledge of the service industries in both the public and private sectors. An experienced team leader, in 2007/08 she also had the privilege of being the first female Leader of Maidstone Borough Council. Fran believes it is the first duty of the Borough Council to maintain excellent and efficient front line services. She says that no matter how dire the current economic situation it is entirely possible to continue to provide first class street cleaning , waste collection and recycling services, maintain our parks and open spaces to a high standard and provide adequate public conveniences in appropriate locations. These are the things that matter most to people paying council tax. In addition, she believes Maidstone must embrace 'green' technology in its widest sense if the Borough is to thrive into the future.

Tony Harwood, Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration

Tony was born and bred in Maidstone and has earned a well-deserved reputation as a committed and effective environmental and social campaigner. He is passionate about protecting our beautiful countryside and the quality of life of local residents. He is determined that the rural setting of the county town is preserved, that our residential neighbourhoods are protected and our declining communities are regenerated. Experience gained working in the television media alongside many of Kent's biggest employers (in his professional role as an emergency planner), and in farming and land management, give Tony a good understanding of the workings of the local economy. He is excited about the museum, Hazlitt theatre and other cultural activities being transferred to this portfolio as he knows culture has been used creatively in other places to assist in their regeneration and believes the same could be achieved in Maidstone.

Derek Mortimer, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services

Derek has served the communities of Maidstone both in his professional life and as a parish and borough councillor. He has a wide knowledge of all those organisations, charities and multi agency partnerships which contribute so much to the well-being of the people of this borough and has direct experience of their frustrations and concerns. He is particularly keen to promote sporting activities across the borough at all levels, but especially with the young. He believes sport can provide a wealth of positive outcomes from health through to social responsibility. Sport does not only improve opportunities for the participants but can secure a greater bond within communities. Derek is totally committed to listening and working with the people of the borough; promoting their interests at local, regional and national levels and in working with the voluntary and community groups, helping to deliver their ambitions and ensuring the people of Maidstone have a say in improving the quality of life for us all.

Rob Field, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environmental Services

Rob has lived in Maidstone since 2003. His professional career as a business continuity specialist has involved working with a broad range of local authorities and other public sector organisations. Rob is committed to ensuring that the frontline services provided by the council are robust, cost effective and sustainable. His career has given him the opportunity to work with public sector strategic management to help them to deliver just that and he has an excellent understanding of the challenge posed by the need to deliver top quality services in a tough economic climate.

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David Pickett, Shadow Cabinet Member for Corporate Services

David has lived in Maidstone for sixteen years. He is a successful businessman, currently managing a large retail outlet in the town centre. He has wide experience of finance, strategic planning, project management, commercial management and marketing. He is also an active member of the Maidstone Area Arts Council and Town Centre Management. This wide business experience gives David an excellent basis for understanding the Corporate Services function within Maidstone Borough Council for the benefit of the electorate.