District councillors
Polly Gray: Green Group Leader
Bexhill & Old Town & Worsham: Councillor details RDC
First elected in May 2019 for Old Town & Worsham in Bexhill, and again in May 2023 with an increased majority.
Polly has lived nearly all her life in Bexhill including her school years. She then went on to study social work and was awarded a degree in Social Work Studies from Sussex University. She worked for over 30 years in Child Protection and is deeply aware of the effects of poverty and social inequality in our society. Polly is hugely concerned about climate change.
Polly has one daughter, a GP in Brighton, and two young grandchildren. She feels there is still so much to do for both the residents and our Environment. She believes this is the best thing she can do for her grandchildren and future generations.
arren Rathbone ariel: deputy green group leader
Bexhill St. Stephens: Councillor details RDC
Arren was elected to St. Stephens ward in Bexhill in May 2023.
He came involved in politics to help the natural world and to tackle inequality. Specifically the Planetary Boundaries were a wake up call. Arren believes tackling these will make our lives better. Arren says global balanced DeGrowth is one way to achieve this - promoting community, nature, healthiness and wellbeing for all - not just a few.
Originally from a working class area in South Yorkshire. When younger he was a member of various local wildlife groups and he also enjoyed walking in the Peak District exploring the ancient neolithic/bronze-age landscape. He is still very much interested in both nature and heritage.
Arren has a degree in Archaeology with a strong environmental and climate science focus (especially palaeoclimates). He either hopes to complete an MSc in environmental science or change to a PPE MA.
Arren has work experiences from many different organisational and regions - which gives him a unique and wide perspective. Long ago he was a postman, then a civil servant (which promoted a London move to central government). He has also worked for commercial archaeology; charities; risk banking sector and within university education. A few years ago Arren made a switch to IT sector into project management then user research. He currently works for a global London university.
Arren lives in Bexhill with his two children, where he moved to in 2017. He enjoys the local coastline - especially jogging or cycling along it. So too visiting the nearby South Downs, walking along the hills, villages and Seven Sisters. He also frequently visits Rye Harbour and Combe Valley Countryside Park - to see the amazing wildlife our area has.
Sue Burton
North Battle, Netherfield and Whatlington: Councillor details RDC
Sue was elected to North Battle, Netherfield and Whatlington in May 2023.
Sue has worked for the NHS and Social Care for over 25 years as an occupational therapist helping children, families and adults. She has always got involved in her local community.She soon realised that working with others means you can achieve more.
Sue moved to Battle with her family nearly 20 years ago. Gradually, as time permitted, she was able to do more to contribute to the Battle and the district of Rother. She started the 1066 Cycle Club 15 years ago which has grown from strength to strength. Cycling UK presented Sue with an award for her contribution to cycling. Now, her focus is on promoting walking and cycling.
Another big project of Sue's was the Battle Health Pathway and Cycle Skills Area which was completed in 2020.Sue was the project manager.It took 6 years to complete.
Sue has become more and more interested in the environment and in recent years her thinking has moved on to concern for nature, air quality and our water ways. She was a trustee of Rother Environmental Group and founded the local group 'Battle Area Green Drinks'.
Sue was co-opted onto Battle Town Council in 2022 and has spoken up for nature and the people in the parish since this time.
