September 2025

Politics in local government used to be less fractious than it is today, according to Fran Wilson, twice leader of Maidstone Borough Council. In a talk “Corridors of Power” in the Maidstone Museum Friends‘ shop, Fremlin Walk, on September 11, 2025, she spoke of a time when councillors of all parties mingled freely. “It’s a shame that that attitude and respect did not last.”  She revealed her dislike for “political point scoring” at the expense of serving the people. Fran, former MMF vice-chair, recalled her fascinating time in local government,  moving from back-bencher to council leader.  She was first elected to the council in 1994, winning her seat on many occasions.  Although she claimed that a surname starting with a letter towards the end of the alphabet was a disadvantage, she didn’t do too badly with a W. Her first major role was on the Housing Committee, against her wish to be on the Transportation Committee. As to why, she was told: “Women don’t do transportation.”

She became leader of a hung council in 2007. She spoke of the many highs and a few lows of her time in charge, including the Tour de France visiting Maidstone, the controversial debate over the future of concessionary bus fares, the re-enactment of the bloody 1648 Civil War Battle of Maidstone, and securing Madonna to perform in Mote Park. She visited Number 10 and met David Cameron – then Tory Prime Minister –  and Nick Clegg – then Lib Dem leader when the party was in coalition government with the Tories.  She lost her first council leadership role in 2008 when the Tories gained control, but regained it in 2015, serving until 2018 and retiring a year later in 2019.   

As a tribute to her service to the borough, she became the borough’s first Alderman.  Her story is one of 25 years of dedicated work for the people of Maidstone. She had this message for politicians: “Work together, be polite, don’t score points, play the game properly”