Sunderland local election
Hetton ward
This election will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
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This is an election for metropolitan borough councillors.
Councillors represent the people of their ward on the council. Councillors are elected for four-year terms. Most wards are represented by more than one councillor, which is why you may have more than one vote.
Metropolitan borough councils are responsible for many different services, including:
- Child and adult social care
- Schools and education
- Rubbish collection and recycling
- Housing and planning
- Libraries and museums
- Roads and pavements
- Sports facilities and public parks
Councils are funded by a combination of council tax, business rates, and grants from the UK government. Councillors are not paid a salary, but they do receive financial compensation and expenses to cover their time and travel commitments.
You will have three votes, and can choose from 15 candidates.
Get ready to vote:
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How to vote
This election uses First-past-the-post.
Mark an X in the box for your preferred candidates.
You can mark up to three candidates.
Read the instructions at the top of your ballot paper carefully.
For more information, visit The Electoral Commission's website or ask an official at your polling station.
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James Blackburn
Labour Party
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George Callaghan
Labour Party
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Trevor Colgin
Conservative and Unionist Party
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Alan Davies
Reform UK
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Christopher James Donaldson
Green Party
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Ian David Ellis
Liberal Democrats
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Elizabeth Gaffney
Liberal Democrats
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Kath Gaffney
Liberal Democrats
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Gwynneth Gibson
Conservative and Unionist Party
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Jason Lloyd
Reform UK
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Rachel Louise Lowe
Green Party
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Henry Ndubuisi
Conservative and Unionist Party
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Steven Neil Paterson
Reform UK
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Christopher James Tobin
Labour Party
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Ynez Ynez-Tulsen
Green Party
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You should get a "poll card" through the post telling you where to vote.
If you haven't got one, or aren't sure where to vote, you should call Sunderland City Council on 0191 520 5550.
Sunderland City Council
https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/
elections@sunderland.gov.uk -
You will need to take photo ID to vote at a polling station in this election
You do not need your poll card to vote. You must vote at your assigned polling station.
- Read more about voting in Great Britain.
- Read more about photo ID.
If you do not have a photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before 28 April 2026
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Voting by post
The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the elections taking place on 7 May 2026 was 21 April 2026. You can apply for a postal vote in future elections.
Read more about voting by post.
Ballot papers for the election on 7 May 2026 will not be printed until after 9 April 2026. If you have a postal vote, your local council will send your postal voting pack around three weeks before polling day.
If you are away from home before or shortly after 9 April 2026, and will not return before polling day, your postal vote will not reach you in time for you to use it. In this case, you should consider applying for a proxy vote instead.
If you have not received your postal voting pack, you can contact Sunderland City Council on 0191 520 5550.
Sunderland City Council
https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/
elections@sunderland.gov.ukReplacement packs can only be issued from 30 April 2026 until 5pm on 7 May 2026.
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