The Medway Conservative Group is pleased to announce that Councillor George Perfect has been elected Leader, and Councillor Gary Hackwell elected as Deputy Leader, both unanimously.
Councillor Perfect was first elected in May 2023, as one of three members for Rainham North. He has served since his election as the Group’s spokesperson for children, young people, and education, and since March has served as the group’s deputy leader. Councillor Perfect has additionally acted as the Leader during Councillor Gulvin’s recent period of medical leave. Outside of the Council, Councillor Perfect is a public affairs account director and a member of two Medway based multi-academy trusts.
Councillor Hackwell was first elected in May 2019, and served as Portfolio Holder for Business Management under the previous administration. As well as serving as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Perfect has appointed Councillor Hackwell as the Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Workforce.
Councillor George Perfect, Leader of Medway Conservatives and the Opposition on Medway Council, said:
“It’s the greatest honour to become Leader of Medway Conservatives. I want to thank Councillor Gulvin for his hard work and leadership over the past year. We’ve worked closely together to begin to develop the Group’s Strategy for the coming years, and I’m excited to have been elected to deliver just that. I would also like to thank all members of my group, who are resolutely united behind my leadership.
This is truly the dawn of a new era for our group, and my Shadow Cabinet will reflect that. Working with our Councillors, national party and constituency associations, I will show the people of Medway why they should return Conservative councillors and a Conservative council at the next local election in 2027.
I’m excited for the coming months and years ahead.”
Councillor Adrian Gulvin, Outgoing Leader of Medway Conservatives and the Opposition on Medway Council, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to hand over the leadership of Medway Conservatives to Councillor George Perfect. George is one of the most talented Councillors that I have come across in my forty years of involvement in local politics. I am convinced he has the ability to lead the Conservative Group back into control of the Council in 2027.
It’s also great to see Councillor Gary Hackwell become Deputy Leader. Gary and I served together as Portfolio Holders in the last administration, and I was always impressed by the commitment and knowledge he brought to the role.
I’m very much looking forward to supporting George and his new team for the final three years of my time as a Councillor from the backbenches.”
