BABERGH LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES 2026
JOHN WHYMAN
CONSTABLE DIVISION
I’m proud to be standing in the Suffolk County Council election for Constable Division.
I’m standing because this election really matters for our villages. Over the next few years, local government in Suffolk is set for major change, with county, district and borough councils due to be replaced by a new unitary authority. That means big decisions about local services, spending, and how well our communities are represented.
At a time like this, experience and sound judgement matter. I have run businesses for over 40 years and, since 2023, I have served as the Babergh District Councillor for Capel St Mary, working hard to represent residents and stand up for our area.
I’m standing to fight for a fair deal for Constable Division: better maintained roads, new development that comes with the right infrastructure, and more opportunities for young people to succeed. Our villages deserve a strong local voice that understands how organisations are run and how to get things done.
This is not just about party politics. It is about making sure our villages have experienced, committed representation during a major period of change.
If you want a local candidate with experience, integrity and a real commitment to our communities, I hope you will support me on 7 May.
Vote John Whyman for a fair deal for Constable Division!
BRYN HURREN
STOUR VALLEY DIVISION
I have lived in this area of South Suffolk for just over 50 years now and for all that time I started and still continue to run my furniture making business.
I am sure that I have had many commissions in the area that I now seek to represent and will continue to keep working as a furniture maker, if I am successful in my ambition to represent you all at the County Council level as well.
I have been doing this as a District Councillor for Box Vale ward on Babergh District Council for 27 years as we approach the much needed unitary authorities it will be a pleasure to move into a new role and challenges to support an area and its people that I have come to love so much.
I was born into a farming family and started work at a very early age, being the extra hands when needed, along with an elder brother and younger sister and my recently decreased mum at 99 ½ years of age. I drove my first tractor at 8 years old (different times) and have enjoyed working hard ever since.
My hobbies to relax are my allotment, Ipswich FC and rock music soft and quite loud.
If you want a local candidate with experience, integrity and a real commitment to our communities, I hope you will support me on 7 May.
Vote Bryn Hurren for a fair deal for Stour Valley!
HELEN DAVIES - BROOK DIVISION
Babergh District Councillor for Sproughton and Pinewood and a parish councillor. Helen is Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Nature Recovery & Biodiversity. Committed to the community and working with local people.
NIGEL BENNETT - SUDBURY WEST DIVISION
Nigel has been a Sudbury Town Councillor for 24 years and has been involved with creating our Community Warden Teams, the Museum & Heritage Centre in the Town Hall as well as keeping important services in Sudbury such as the Tourist lnformation Centre and Suffolk Registrars in the Town Hall when larger Councils wanted to close them.
ln the past, he has chaired community Police meetings, been involved in health campaigns for protecting services to the NHS, challenged cuts to services such as the Advice Centre and Sudbury Sports Centre.
He will be a hard-working, listening Councillor, prepared to work with others. I will represent our community,
DAVID BUTCHER - COSFORD DIVISION
Born in Ipswich. Kersey Parish councillor. After a career in telecommunications working in London and for a while in Italy, he came back to Suffolk to retire. Initially he lived in Chelsworth with his wife where he chaired the Parish Meeting an experience which reinforced his belief in strong communities and the need to involve residents in local decisions
PENINSULA DIVISION - PAUL WOODCRAFT
Paul has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since 2016. He was employed in the NHS as a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist (CBT) until his retirement and has lived in Shotley Gate for seven years since then with his wife, plus dogs and cats.
HADLEIGH DIVISION - RAIN WELHAM-COBB
Rain is immensely passionate about our local community. He works for the NHS across the border and until 2022, was incredibly proud to serve as a Special Constable with the Suffolk Constabulary.
LONG MELFORD DIVISION - ALAN SCOTT
Management Accountant, resident in South Suffolk for 35 years