Beckenham Town and Copers Cope Ward
In Beckenham Town & Copers Cope there are currently two Liberal Democrat councillors and one Conservative councillor. Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross and Councillor Will Connolly were elected in 2022, becoming the first non-Conservative councillors ever elected in the ward.
Since then, Chloe-Jane and Will have made a real difference—tackling issues that had been neglected for years, holding sit-down councillor drop-in surgeries twice a month, and sending regular email updates twice a month to keep residents informed about their work and to invite feedback.
In May 2026, we hope to have Liberal Democrats in all three councillor seats. Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross is standing for re-election, joined by her team-mates Gita Bapat and Steven Jefferies. You can find out more about them below.
Gita Bapat
Gita Bapat has lived in Beckenham for over 30 years and has a long track record of volunteering in the community. She is a director of a local Samaritans branch, supporting people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Music and culture are central to Gita’s life. As a local choir singer, she believes the arts bring people together, support wellbeing, and create opportunities for young people. When the Conservative council defunded the Bromley Youth Music Trust, it motivated her to take a more active role in local politics.
Gita is also a strong advocate for inclusion, environmental protection, and tackling digital exclusion.
Why Gita is standing for election
To stand up for Liberal Democrat values of fairness, inclusion, and compassion; and ensure no one in our community is left behind.
Steven Jefferies
Steven Jefferies was born and raised in Beckenham and now lives and works locally. He grew up on Albemarle Road, where his family ran a nearby business, giving him strong local roots and a clear understanding of what makes the area thrive.
Steven is passionate about education, sustainable local growth, and protecting the environment. He believes council decisions should be based on evidence, value for money, and the real needs of residents—not wasteful schemes or neglected community assets.
He has seen a clear difference since Liberal Democrat councillors were elected in 2022, with more focus on delivery, scrutiny, and local priorities.
Why Steven is standing for election
To continue the progress already underway and ensure decisions are made in the interests of everyone who lives in Beckenham.
Chloe-Jane Ross
Chloe-Jane Ross lives in Beckenham with her family, went to Langley Park School, and volunteers with her local residents’ association. Since being elected in 2022, she has focused on turning residents’ priorities into real action.
Chloe-Jane has led the campaign to secure the return of the Blackfriars rail service from Beckenham Junction, delivered safer road crossings and traffic refuges, and worked to protect and improve valued community spaces including Kelsey Park and Beckenham Public Halls. She is a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and is committed to listening to residents with a wide range of views.
Why Chloe-Jane is standing for election
I am standing for election as Ward Councillor again to keep delivering for Beckenham, build on the progress already made, and ensure every resident is listened to and represented. I believe in the power of the local community.