It has been just over a month since Reform UK’s David Finch and John Vye were elected as councillors to Medway Council, and I managed to pin them down to discuss their experiences so far. With an intense start – just weeks before the crucial Medway Council budget meeting – their first month in office has been nothing short of a baptism of fire.
Hitting the Ground Running
Both councillors admitted that the pace of council life has been relentless from day one. “We were thrown in at the deep end,” David Finch told me. “The budget meeting came up so quickly after our election, so there was no settling-in period – we had to hit the ground running.”
David and John addressing the Medway Council budget meeting on February 27th – just weeks after being elected and already making an impact!
While many of their induction meetings and training sessions had to be postponed during that time, they have since been working hard to catch up. “It’s been full-on,” John Vye added. “We’ve had a crash course in how the council operates, and we are learning quickly how to challenge decisions and fight for our residents.”
Representing the People of Rochester & Strood
Despite the steep learning curve, both councillors have wasted no time in taking on casework and listening to residents’ concerns. “The most important thing for us is ensuring that the voices of local people are heard,” said Finch. “We’ve already started working on issues that matter to them and will continue to push for real action.”
Vye echoed this sentiment: “People voted for Reform UK because they wanted something different from the usual career politicians. We are here to represent the people – not the establishment.”
Fighting for Accountability in Medway
As Reform UK councillors, Finch and Vye are committed to challenging the status quo and ensuring that Medway Council is held to account. “Transparency is key,” said Finch. “We will be scrutinising council spending and decisions carefully – because taxpayers deserve better.”
Vye added, “We’re not here to rubber-stamp bad decisions. If something isn’t in the best interests of local people, we will call it out and fight for a better solution.”
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, both councillors are focused on building strong relationships with residents and ensuring that local issues are tackled head-on. “This is just the beginning,” Finch said. “We’re here to deliver real change, and we’ll keep working hard for the people who put their trust in us.”
Vye agreed: “We want residents to know that they can come to us with their concerns, and we will do everything in our power to help.”
Our Reform councillors commemorating Commonwealth Day 2025 on Monday 10 March with the annual raising of the flag of the Commonwealth of Nations.
As interim branch chair, I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and determination David and John have shown in their first month. Their passion for making a real difference in Rochester & Strood is clear, and I know they will continue to fight for the local community in the months and years ahead.
If you have any issues you’d like to raise with your Rochester East & Warren Wood ward councillors, don’t hesitate to get in touch, they’re here to represent you and can be emailed here (david.finch@medway.gov.uk & john.vye@medway.gov.uk).