Matt Follett

Matt Follett, 39, is a candidate for Brighton and Hove city council (Hanover & Elm Grove ward) in the 2011 local elections. 

Matt is a lecturer in criminology at the University of Brighton. He has also played a key role in advising Caroline Lucas MP in policy and electoral strategy, serving as chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party during the general election last year.

Professionally, his particular areas of expertise are community, justice, anti-social behaviour and local government. He also has 12 years of management experience in the voluntary sector.

Matt moved to Brighton a few years ago to be near his family.

He believes Hanover and Elm Grove is "a unique neighbourhood in a unique city".

If elected, he would push for more "bike stations" in Hanover and Elm Grove.

He also wants to see more local and community enterprises, more recycling and more activities for young people. In his free time Matt enjoys going to the cinema, playing badminton and darts (not at the same time) and drinking good bitter.

In the 2007 local elections, Matt became the first ever Leicester councillor to represent a party other than the major three. When elected to Leicester City Council as a Green, Matt managed to persuade the council to bring in 20mph limits on all non major roads, bring in public recycling points, and increase facilities for cycling in the city.