About Me

Why Francis Loves Midhurst and its Surrounding Areas

Midhurst and the surrounding area is quintessentially England. It has rolling green fields with small hamlets and villages each with their own specific character. You can feel the history everywhere but, above all, it is a friendly and atmospheric place. Perhaps, I whisper it quietly, it’s feeling a bit down on itself, not least because of the impact of the Angel Hotel fire 3 years ago.

If I am elected I will do my utmost to:

  1. Protecting the Landscape: Commit to “landscape-led” development that preserves the South Downs’ character against over-development.The South Downs Local Plan Review is a critical topic. Voters are wary of large-scale developments that threaten the area’s “wooded hill” character and heritage.
  2. Infrastructure First: Advocate for a “monitor and manage” approach to traffic and immediate investment in repairing local A-roads.
  3. Policing: Seek ways to achieve more visible policing in the area
  4. Efficiency & Value: Highlight the Conservative-run West Sussex County Council’s focus on essential services like adult social care and fire safety while keeping council tax manageable.
  5. Local Economy: Support the high street and local businesses by opposing unnecessary regulations and supporting tourism initiatives. 
  6. Local Homes: There is a significant push for “genuinely affordable” homes for local key workers and young families to prevent them from being priced out of the National Park.
  7. River Rother. Protecting the River Rother and managing wastewater capacity are vital for Midhurst voters.
francis hobbs by wheatsheaf in midhurst
francis hobbs in army

Please vote for me

Francis Hobbs

I need your vote on May 7th

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I have lived in Easebourne with my family for over 20 years. I was a career army officer, serving worldwide.  I have been involved in a number of entrepreneurial activities, working in both the charitable and university sectors; currently I work with Cloud computing applications focusing on membership organisations.

I was a branch chairman of the Midhurst Conservative Association before being elected to represent Easebourne, Lodsworth and Heyshott on Chichester District Council. I have been chair of the Corporate Governance & Audit committee, an active member of the Environment panel and the Economic Development Panel.

I seek to bring a straightforward view to many local challenges: support vulnerable people so they can play a full role in society, encourage innovative business activities and maintain the unique and beautiful character of the local area.

Above all I believe, as councillors, we should enthuse others to become actively involved in our hard won democratic processes, to improve the lives of those in our local communities.