About me: Councillor Carolyn Lambert
I am actively committed to representing the views of Seaford people. I was proud to be elected to Seaford Town Council and Lewes District Council in May 2007, and to East Sussex County Council in June 2009. I have used every opportunity positively to raise issues of concern to local residents.
In my work as a councillor, I draw upon my previous experience of working at senior management level in local government. I believe that this enables me to communicate effectively with officers to ensure that Seaford residents receive the best possible advice and support.
Outside of council work, I teach students at the University of Cambridge who are undertaking a master’s course in social enterprise. I also work as a social enterprise and regeneration consultant, helping businesses who trade for the benefit of their local communities. This portfolio of work adds to the relevant experience I bring to the role of county councillor.
But how did I get here?
My family have lived in East Sussex for four generations. My great-grandparents started a village shop in Barcombe and my grandfather was chair of Barcombe Parish Council, so perhaps being a councillor is in my genes!
I was inspired to stand as a councillor as a result of the change in government policy which enables assets (buildings or land) to be transferred to the community for their use and benefit. I have set up and run such an organisation, so I know at first hand how successful this can be and how empowering to local people.
I was privileged to be elected as the 10th Mayor of Seaford and used this role to bring about democratic change and to develop civic partnerships.
I introduced and supported the election of a Young Mayor of Seaford – the first in the south east region. Almost 1,000 young people voted in this election which was hotly contested by four inspirational young people. During my mayoral year, I focused on the private individuals in the community who keep the town going – economically and socially – and want to continue to build on these links as a county councillor.
My community
Seaford is a lovely place in which to live and work, set as it is on the edge of Seaford Bay with the downs as a backdrop.
However, like any community, it has its challenges. It has suffered from a lack of investment as it has grown. For example, we desperately need more health facilities, youth facilities and a swimming pool for the community. These are some of the issues on which I will continue to work over the next four years.
My ward is a very interesting one as it is quite mixed. I have three schools (or four if you count both Seaford Head sites!) and a nursery school. The north and south parts of the ward are divided by the A259 which presents residents with traffic and pedestrian problems.
Many of the residents are older people – one of the best experiences of polling day in June 2009 was when I took a lady of 100 to vote!
My home life
I am married with two children. My older daughter is soon off to university to read French, and my younger one is torn between photography and geography at the moment!
My spare time
In my spare time I am a professionally trained singer and I knit socks! I am also undertaking research for a PhD in the fiction of Elizabeth Gaskell so can often be found in a dusty archive!
