Cllr Ash Ashbee appointed new Leader of Thanet District Council
Councillor Ash Ashbee, Leader of the Thanet Conservative group, was elected as the Leader of Thanet District Council at a Council meeting last night (Thursday 3 June).
Cllr Ashbee received 30 votes and Cllr Rick Everitt received 18 votes from members present at the meeting.
This follows a 19 month Labour administration and comes after the resignation of former Labour Leader, Cllr Rick Everitt.
The meeting was held at the Ramsgate Leisure Centre to allow for the required social distancing.
Cllr Ashbee said: “I’m incredibly proud to be elected as Leader for Thanet District Council. As a Thanet resident for 33 years I have a great fondness for the district and I want to assure residents and business owners that I along with my group will work hard to resolve problems and look for opportunities to bring positive community and business success to the area.”
Members of the new Cabinet were confirmed today (Friday 4 June) as follows:
| Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development | Councillor Reece Pugh |
| Cabinet Member for Housing | Councillor Jill Bayford |
| Cabinet Member for Environmental Services & Special Projects | Councillor Robert Bayford |
| Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Youth Engagement | Councillor George Kup |
| Cabinet Member for Finance | Councillor David Saunders |
The first Cabinet meeting will take place on Tuesday 8 June.
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The first clients have moved into Thanet District Council’s brand new RISE Hub in Grosvenor Place, Margate.
Update: Wednesday 9 September 9.20am The pollution risk warning from the Environment Agency has now been lifted, so signs advising members of the public against bathing or entering the sea, are being removed today at West Bay, Westgate and Fulsam Rock, Margate.
Landlords and managing agents with responsibility for residential properties in Thanet are invited to a free event with access to expert advice and council support, on Friday 18 September 2026.





