My name is David Hoare. I grew up and have lived most of my life in East Sussex.
I studied farming at Plumpton college after I left Portslade Community School, and worked on farms on the Downs before starting my own landscaping and land management businesses. Running my own business for 11 years has given me an intimate understanding the issues faced by small business owners.
I was a stay-at home dad prior to going to work for a residential community which cares for adults with learning difficulties, and I know the financial pressures faced by many. Budgets at home and at work were always tight, with never quite enough for what needed to be done. Despite this, at work I was able to secure best value for money for the organisation while delivering a highly regarded service.
For nine years I sat on the governing body of a large secondary school in Sussex, the last two of which I served as Chair of Governors. I saw the school through four Ofsted inspections and one Head-Teacher recruitment.
I started getting involved in community campaigning living in Newhaven in 2018, campaigning against Brett Concrete’s proposal to dump yet more polluting industry on Newhaven. I’ve been campaigning for better protections for our communities and environment, with improved public services and infrastructure, ever since.
I now spend much of my time renovating my own home, when not doing voluntary work in the community or walking the downs on which I grew up. I care greatly about the natural world and have noticed the decline in our wildlife since I started working in the countryside nearly 50 years ago.
I’ve been Chair of a local council, so know what it takes to be in a senior governance role. Unlike in the other parties, Greens are never told how to vote or what to say by their national party, and as your District Councillor I’ll be an outspoken champion of the Newhaven community. And with the Green Party having taken over leading the District Council from the Lib Dems two years ago, I’ll be able to make sure Newhaven’s voice is heard loud and clear in the new administration.
David Hoare is standing in the ward of Newhaven North in the Lewes by-election on Thursday 29th May, 2025