John is a longstanding Harraton resident.

Full statement

Fed up with years of the same old Labour control that’s let down our communities, John’s throwing his hat in the ring to fight for real change - putting Washington first and making sure our voices are actually heard at the council table.

John knows what matters to families and workers around here. He’s seen first-hand how decisions made in the council chamber affect everyday life in Washington – from potholed roads and creaking services to housing pressures and the cost of living squeezing people. Right at the top of his list is holding big housing providers like Gentoo to account so that local tenants actually get the decent homes they pay for.

John’s key focuses:

Holding Gentoo to account - Cracking down on the damp, mould and repair delays that are blighting homes across Washington, pushing for faster action on anti-social behaviour, and making sure tenants’ rent money goes on fixing properties – not high executive salaries or pet projects elsewhere. Enough is enough! Washington deserves better from its biggest landlord.

Fixing our streets and services - Proper maintenance of roads, pavements and parks so Washington looks and feels like a place we can be proud of again, not an afterthought.

Standing up for Washington’s identity - Protecting our green spaces, opposing over-development that ignores local needs, and ensuring new housing comes with the infrastructure to support it.

Cutting waste and bureaucracy - Ending the endless spending on consultants and pet projects while front-line services struggle.

Safer communities - More visible action on anti-social behaviour so people feel secure in their own villages.

John believes Sunderland City Council has been run in the interests of the few for too long. With Reform UK, he wants to bring straight-talking, accountable representation that delivers for the many - ending the grip of the old parties, getting tough with under-performing landlords like Gentoo, and finally getting things done for Washington South.