About Us
Chairman - Robert Grindley
As Chairman of the Reform UK Tunbridge Wells branch, I bring a wealth of international experience and a deep-rooted passion for our country.
Educated at The Duke of York's Royal Military School near Dover, I went on to forge a successful career in Africa, leading major infrastructure projects for two international conglomerates. My professional journey took me across the globe—to India, China, the USA, various European nations, and multiple African countries. Throughout it all, I maintained an abiding love for the United Kingdom, the country of my birth.
Determined to help protect and restore the values and security of our nation, I joined Reform UK ahead of the 2024 General Election. I am immensely proud to be part of this dynamic party—the true people's party. I have since forged close relationships with other local Reform UK Chairs as we work to further align our movement and better represent our communities.
It was partly my firsthand observation of the devastating effects of uncontrolled migration and rampant crime in South Africa that spurred me to become actively involved in UK politics. This commitment was further strengthened by the public's strong response to the previous government's plans to house around 600 male migrants in our neighbouring town of Crowborough—like many of you I took part in the protests against this proposal, standing with local residents concerned about its impact on the community.
A local resident, I live in Rusthall and love the beauty of our part of Kent. It is worth standing up for. I urge you to join us in our quest of turning our country around and recognising the value of our commitment.
Family - Community -Country
deputy chairman - John Spence
John Spence has served as Secretary of the local Tunbridge Wells branch of Reform UK since 2024, playing a key organisational role in building and strengthening the party's presence in the borough. In this position, he coordinates branch activities, supports member engagement, and helps drive grassroots efforts to promote Reform UK's policies at the community level.
A long-time resident and lawyer in Tunbridge Wells for over 25 years, John brings his professional expertise, strong local connections, and administrative skills to the role. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of Reform UK from its early days and has actively campaigned in local elections, including standing as a candidate for both Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council.
As branch Secretary, John is committed to growing Reform UK's influence in Tunbridge Wells by organising events, facilitating discussions on key local issues, and mobilising residents who want real change. His focus remains on championing lower taxes, reduced wasteful spending, protection of the green belt, and support for local businesses and jobs—ensuring the voice of Tunbridge Wells residents is heard loud and clear within the party.
karen burt - secretary
I am a 3rd generation resident of Tunbridge Wells and have lived and worked in the area all my life. I am currently employed as a legal secretary in a local law firm.
I always voted Conservative but was appalled at the outcome of the Brexit referendum and the way the vote of the people was fought against. At the time the Conservatives went back on their word on Brexit, I started becoming interested in the Reform Party. As soon as Nigel Farage became the leader I joined as a member and after meeting Rob Grindley our Chairman canvassing in the TW Precinct, I started attending the monthly TW Branch meetings.
Reform are the only genuine commonsense political party for the people. I want the UK to be run fairly, helping those in desperate need like our veterans, helping those who contribute to our country who work hard but the cost of living and taxation is making their lives miserable, helping our pensioners and reducing the wasteful spending in our Councils and National Health sector. Our society is being overtaken by criminal activity which appears to be rewarded and not punished and makes me very fearful of what will happen to our communities in the future.
I fully support the policies Reform stand for which when implemented will enable our most vulnerable to be cared for, showing fairness to all and hard work will be rewarded. We will then be able once again to enjoy living and working in our wonderful country by supporting our communities and also enabling our future generations to thrive.
Treasurer - tina seymour
I grew up in London and started my career as an actuary for a pensions consultancy. I moved to Tunbridge Wells for a better work/life balance and to start a family 40 years ago and established my own business as a database designer specialising in information management systems and training for SMEs. I am now happily retired.
I didn’t have any interest in politics until I was shocked by the appalling behaviour of those who fought to overturn the democratic vote of the people following the 2016 Brexit Referendum. I watched in dismay as politicians and the media of all colours threw their toys out of the pram and I promptly joined the Brexit party. I am now a passionate member of Reform UK.
As an ex-actuary and disabled I am especially interested in social care and the mess every government has made of it over my lifetime.
I am delighted to be able to use my technical experience as an officer in the Tunbridge Wells branch of Reform UK.
campaign manager - jamie barnett
I’m Jamie Barnett, and I’ve been proudly serving as Campaign Manager for Reform UK in Tunbridge Wells for the past six months. Before taking on this role, I was heavily involved in our Reform campaign during the Kent County Council elections, helping to build momentum and connect with residents across the borough.
By day, I work in the social care sector, where I’ve spent many years as a dedicated carer supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. That experience has given me a real understanding of the challenges facing families, the importance of proper funding for care services, and the need for common-sense policies that put people first.
I live in the beautiful village of Hawkhurst, and I truly love rural life—the peace of the countryside, the strength of local communities, and the chance to know my neighbours. It’s what drives me to fight for the protection of our green spaces and to oppose the kind of overdevelopment that threatens the character of our area.
One of the things I enjoy most about campaigning is getting out on the streets and speaking directly with people. Whether it’s setting up the Reform gazebo in town centres or chatting on doorsteps, I love hearing what really matters to residents and showing them there’s a party that listens and wants to deliver real change.
I’m really excited about the upcoming Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections. As Campaign Manager, I’m leading the effort to get Reform candidates elected across all 13 seats, working closely with our team to make sure our message of lower taxes, better public services, and standing up for local people is heard loud and clear.
Together, we can bring fresh, honest politics to Tunbridge Wells—and I’m proud to be playing my part in making that happen.