He may be a Lord and was once one of the most powerful men in Kent as leader of the county council for nine years, but forget any kind of pretentiousness. Sandy Bruce-Lockhart prefers to be known as just plain Sandy.

At his rural home, near Headcorn, he describes himself as the “ultimate Kent fan” and it was his love of the Kentish landscape which was to bring Sandy the farmer into the political arena.

Four years on, he was leader of the then Conservative opposition at County Hall.

“Obviously, it actually took over my life. But it took over my life because it is so worthwhile,” he said.

“I joined KCC with a healthy cynicism about local government, like most people, but what I found was a terrific organisation, full of people who are professional, but above all with a real commitment to Kent."

See this week's Kent Messenger for full interview