Your Parish Council
Parish, Town and Community Councils are the most direct form of democracy in England and Wales, being the first tier of local government.
Botley Parish Council has been in existence since 1894. The Council is an elected body with twelve seats filled by Botley residents whose primary role is to represent the interests of their community.
Cllr Chris Cooper Chair
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
My hook was getting involved in the Botley to Bishop's Waltham bike path. I then got more involved. Highlights have been our two community events.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
With the bypass coming soon and living on the High Street I really want to make sure Botley village retains vibrant, welcoming and thriving economic centre.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
I am one of the founders of Botley Community Land Trust. We plan to buy and develop Botley Fields (off Winchester Street). We intend to create cozy, net zero homes and a forever asset for Botley. I also referee rugby games for Hampshire RFU.
Appointments
Cllr Sue Grinham Vice Chair
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
I wanted to support all of the parishioners to ensure we had a cohesive and vibrant community, to maintain what is good about Botley and the surrounding countryside. I did not want to have a political agenda driving local matters.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I would like all of the new communities to be integrated into Botley Parish to ensure a single vibrant community, and we maintain as much of the countryside around the area.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
Gardening, family, friends and walking the coastline and hills of our beautiful country.
Appointments
Cllr Matt Lamey
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
I’ve lived in and around Botley for many years, and I care deeply about the people, the village, and the sense of community that makes this place special.
Becoming a Parish Councillor felt like the right way to give something back — to listen, to support the community, and to play an active role in shaping decisions that genuinely make a difference.
My background in relationship management and governance means I’m used to bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure voices are heard - I want to use that experience for the benefit of Botley.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I will support the growth and evolution of Botley while protecting the character and community spirit that makes Botley such a brilliant place to live.
I want to see strengthened local services, a vibrant High Street, improved accessibility and transport, and well maintained green spaces.
Most importantly, I want new and established residents alike to feel part of one connected, welcoming community.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
Family time is a huge part of my life — my wife and our children keep me grounded, busy, and smiling. When I can, I love getting outdoors, enjoying the Hampshire countryside, and spending time on the water. This is why serving Botley matters so much to me.
Appointments
Position Vacant
Email:
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
Appointments
Cllr Tom Gurd
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
To work with stakeholders to address the damage being done to our environment by sewage pollution.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I want to raise understanding of criminal sewage dumping. We must empower the community to provide the necessary information to the Environment Agency, so that they might start to take enforcement action in our Parish.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
I am a keen gardener, but I spend my happiest days paddling on the River Hamble & admiring our unique environment. This compels me to take action against those who seek to destroy it for financial gain.
Appointments
Cllr Russ Kitching
Email: russel.kitching@botley-pc.gov.uk
Register of Interests
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
| To make a real difference with community integration with a fast increasing number of new residents with the lack of planned infrastructure . Also to help make Botley a proud place for residents to live and work. |
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
| With a fast increasing Boorley Park community with the lack of infrastructure planning I would like to help implement a more integrated community at Boorley Park, by engaging and connecting a Neighbourhood watch. Also support for local businesses, charities and residents with a drop in centre twice weekly. Hosting Community events and developing a caring, united neighbourhood to help reduce and prevent crime and helping to see integration into a fast growing community. |
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
| My passions owning a pub are people and community. I have a passion for sport and participating in Community events . I am a qualified yoga teacher and enjoy applying the new found knowledge in sharing and treating physical and mental health issues |
Appointments
Cllr Dave Kinloch
Borough Member since 2021.
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
To help make Botley a better place to live and to provide the community with what it deserves. Whether that is in infrastructure (community centres, parks and playing fields etc) or activity (community groups, youth services etc) and to make sure everyone in Botley is represented.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I am looking forward to bringing a café to Boorley Green and the building of the youth group. I am also hoping that we can develop a community that can help look after our area with volunteer groups that can look after Pudbrook or the Botley Quay for example.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
I am a musician and love playing the clarinet and saxophone. I run (not fast) and raise money for local and national charities through my antics. I often go for walks with my family around Botley and the local area.
Appointments
Cllr Rupert Kyrle
Borough Councillor for Botley, first elected in 2002 and Hampshire County Councillor for Botley and Hedge End North since 2009.
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
I wanted to become a Parish Councillor to do whatever I could and can do, to protect Botley’s history, and improve its facilities for parishioners of all ages and visitors to enhance their experience of the village and all the parish has to offer.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I will continue to work with my parish council colleagues to enable us to meet future challenges, whilst maintaining Botley parish as being a lovely place to live in, work and a destination to visit.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
Reading, fishing and my family.
Appointments
Cllr Dan Simcock
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
| Growing up in the parish has given me a first-hand account of the changes that the area has gone through, both for the better and worse. I believe in the protection of the idiosyncratic features that make the parish what it is whilst addressing the inevitable housing, transport, and environmental needs. With experience of architecture and the construction industry I believe that my skills can be use with managing our growing asset portfolio. |
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
| I believe it is important to have a strong sense of community and events are a great way to achieve this. It is essential that the parish feels connected as one entity, as such Botley village, Boorley Green, and Western Botley all need to be included in any interconnectivity, transport, and community schemes. I believe that the local community should have a say in how the Parish evolves and ensures that all development is sustainable and appropriate for our needs. |
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
| I am a passionate sports fan,especially football and cricket, including playing cricket. Another big part of my life is music. I can play multiple instruments and spent much of my youth in different bands. |
Appointments
Cllr Janine Stone
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
Because I wanted to become more involved in my local community. After retiring from the NHS I was looking for something to use my skills and I had the time to give to it. I also wanted to do something about access to the old Botley church.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I would like more people to feel involved in their local community and want to join in.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
I’m a keen gardener, we open the garden for charity. I enjoy cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Appointments
Cllr Hayley King
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
I wanted to get involved with the parish council to better understand how it works and what it does in our community. With two children I wanted to make sure all areas of our community were being represented.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
We have excellent recreation facilitates and I would love to gain green flag status in all of them. I want to improve our green spaces where possible.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, working my allotment, and walking my dogs.
Appointments
Cllr Lily Li
Why did you become a Parish Councillor?
I became a Parish Councillor because I care deeply about the community and believe that local decisions should reflect the voices and needs of the people who live here. Parish councils are closest to residents, and I wanted to play a practical role in helping shape decisions that improve everyday life in Botley.
What do you want to see happen in Botley Parish in the near future?
I would like to see Botley continue to develop in a way that protects its character while improving amenities and opportunities for residents. In particular, I hope we can strengthen community engagement, support local initiatives, and ensure the parish remains a welcoming and well-maintained place for both current and future generations.
What are your passions outside of being a councillor?
Outside of council work, I am passionate about personal development, learning, and staying active. I enjoy exploring new ideas, spending time outdoors, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. I value community, wellbeing, and continuous growth.
Appointments
Representatives
Mrs Vanessa Bord (current trustee) (May24 – May 28)
Cllr R Kitching
Cllr Mrs S Grinham
Cllr Mrs S Grinham, Cllr T Gurd, Cllr D Simcock
Cllr Kinloch
Cllr J Stone
Cllr T Gurd