Orpington Ward
In Orpington there are currently two Conservative councillors, with the Liberal Democrats as the main contenders after taking second place in the 2022 local elections.
We have campaigned on issues throughout the ward, including the future of the Walnuts Shopping Centre and surrounding area and more recently on the proposed Archive Store development within the Priory Gardens site. We campaign all year round, asking residents for their views and concerns on issues that impact on them. We believe that Orpington should be represented by councillors who want to make a difference and will listen to residents on the issues that matter.
In May 2026, we hope to have Liberal Democrats representing Orpington, with Steve Sollitt and Allan Tweddle standing for election. You can find out more about them below.
Steve Sollitt
Steve has lived in Orpington for four years. He has worked for the NHS for 23 years, supporting health services, particularly linked to Primary Care provision. He was involved in the NHS response and planning during the Covid pandemic as for well as ensuring access to health provision for those more vulnerable in our society. He has also worked with other organisations to highlight the issue of digital exclusion in an NHS system where a digital approach is increasing.
He has been a member of the Liberal Democrats for over 30 years and has experience of representing the party in a number of General Elections over that time.
He was a councillor in Hampshire for 24 years, covering areas including planning & development, leisure & culture and transport. During that time, , he built up a wealth of knowledge around the issue of planning and development in particular, an issue which is of concern to residents currently. Having a councillor who has had significant experience will strengthen Orpington’s voice on the council.
In his spare time Steve is a member of a local choir.
Why Steve is standing for election
As someone with significant experience of standing up for the community I represent, I want an opportunity to do that again and to ensure that Orpington has a strong voice on the council.
With my knowledge and understanding of both Health and Social Care, these are areas I can bring experience to the council.
Allan Tweddle
Allan has lived in Orpington since 2001. He is a qualified chartered accountant, writer, and podcaster.
He raised his family in the town and has been heavily involved in the community. Most recently he has been a Governor at his local secondary school, secretary of a local running club, and a volunteer speaker for the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.
Allan has been an active Liberal Democrat campaigner for many years and stood as the party's Parliamentary candidate for Orpington in 2019.
In his spare time Allan enjoys running, real ale, and playing his acoustic guitar.
Why Allan is standing for election
"As a blind person I am constantly amazed by how helpful, supportive and thoroughly genuine the people of Orpington are, whatever their political persuasion. I'm standing because I want to represent their local interests on Bromley Council. They deserve better than being taken for granted by the Tories or being just another headline for Farage's Reform.”