New Horsham county councillor ‘honoured’ to be elected for first time

Conservative Katie Nagel represents St Leonards Forest, which covers a section of Horsham in the east, as well as the parishes of Rusper and Colgate.

She is one of six new county councillors covering the Horsham district.

She said: “I’m honoured that voters have put their trust in me, it’s a privilege to serve such a fantastic part of Horsham.”

Katie, a 35 year-old mum of three, got involved in politics around ten years ago, following the Westminster expenses scandal. She said: “I couldn’t see many people in politics, who were like me, who I wanted to vote for, so I started getting involved.”

Katie mentors women into politics via the 50:50 campaign to drive equal representation in local government and in Parliament.

She explained: “It’s so important that our politicians reflect the broad demographics of the people we serve – it’s not easy taking on a political role whilst caring for young children, but I’m determined to show it can be done. I hope that others can take inspiration from me.”

Katie will serve on health and adult social care as well as the performance and finance scrutiny committees at West Sussex County Council.