I am standing as a True independent candidate in this year’s local elections in the Earlestown ward.

Full statement

I intend to be a truly independent voice in our town, not one that is constrained by what you must do for your party and having to vote the way you are told and not the way you wish. I feel the time is right to challenge and scrutinise some of the current ruling parties’ decisions and on many occasions, some of their councillors’ attitudes towards their electorate, as it leaves a lot to be desired. I believe all councillors should use the Nolan principles as their guide and sadly this falls down in many cases. I certainly believe we need more polite politics in our town.

The Nolan Principles • Selflessness. • Integrity. • Objectivity. • Accountability. • Openness. • Honesty. • Leadership.

I am standing in Earlestown, mostly to listen to residents’ concerns and to be able to represent them fairly and equally, this I believe is the main role of any local councillor. Much too often our local councillors are not visible within their communities and in many cases are not known to the electorate. I wish to change that and be a councillor that people know they can approach for an even and unbiased view to help and mediate their concerns. I worry about the lack of policing in our area, this concerns many residents greatly, we need more on the beat, particularly at night around known anti-social behavioural hotspots. If elected I would lobby the new Police & Crime Commissioner on this issue. I would also arrange regular meetings with local police to discuss residents' worries and concerns. I am all in favour of the growth and regeneration of our town centre and Town Hall and would be happy to work with all sustainable plans to implement this. Over the years, there have been many promises for this to happen. Labour have left the Town Hall closed for 13 years, we can now watch to see if their promised plans and allocated monies come to fruition, if they remain in power. If they do and it is sustainable then I would be happy to work with them. I would also like to work and communicate with other councillors across the borough to discuss their projects and see if we can learn from each other. Our town also needs new initiatives to control littering and fly tipping. This is a big concern; discussions need to be held urgently on this matter. I worry very much about the youth, borough wide and feel they are a little lost, we are missing a connection with them and need to work hard to try and offer them more ways of employment and a better vision for their future. We need to know their concerns and why so many of them appear to feel angry. Having lived in N-Le-W for the last 49 years, running a successful business that has trained and employed many from our town. Being a trustee of local Charity Business for Youth that has just finished a 13-month response to the pandemic for those in need and being a proud part of the rejuvenation of the Earlestown Christmas Lights. All this has taken a lot of hard work and hard work has never worried me and that is what I will give if I am elected.

I am proud of our town, its heritage and its people, if elected I will be an honest, respectful and hardworking councillor for our community.