Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 4 May to elect their representatives on Tameside Council. Here's your guide to candidates standing in Ashton and Audenshaw, who were asked to tell us what they aim to do for the area.

Ashton Hurst 

Dan Costello (Conservative)

Since you elected a second Conservative councillor for Hurst last May, you have seen the real difference we make to our communities.

By leading litter picks right across Hurst, almost 200 bags of rubbish have been removed from our streets.

We have worked with local police to tackle speeding hotspots, helping keep our children safe. Reporting the state of our crumbling roads to Ministers has seen an extra £6.2 million this year to fix Greater Manchester’s potholes - we will fight for our fair share of this money.

With 991 more police on the beat, increased fines, enhanced drug testing, and swift and visible justice, we will see a tough clampdown on crime and antisocial behaviour, bringing pride back to our neighbourhoods. Hurst is a great place to live and bring up a family - don’t put all this at risk this May. Vote for Dan Costello and Lucy Turner to continue to put Hurst first.

Mike Glover (Labour)

My name is Mike Glover and I am pleased and honoured to be selected as one of your Labour candidates for the coming local elections on 4 May.

Over the eight years I have served as a Hurst Councillor, as well as the normal council meetings I have worked hard helping residents with council queries and delivering food throughout the pandemic.

I have built a strong supporting relationship with our local communities, schools and volunteers. It’s important that your local councillor lives in and is part of the local community.

Myself along with my fellow candidates Mohammed Karim and Dolores Lewis live in Hurst Ward and are part of its community. Due to boundary changes you will be asked to cast three votes on Election Day, please vote for all three of your Labour candidates on 4 May.

Hilary Jones (Green)

I am standing to give the people of Ashton Hurst the opportunity to vote for a local Green candidate.

I have spent several years establishing our Urban Eco Roots Garden as a haven for wildlife and peaceful retreat for our community.

As a Green Councillor, I would work to progress Tameside’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy. The council declared a climate emergency three years ago but the Council still lacks sufficient defined actions or targets to.

Given the cost-of-living crisis, we need to increase home insulation, for lower bills and lower CO2 emissions. We need realistic walking and cycling infrastructure and better and cheap, reliable public transport. This would reduce car dependency as well as reducing both pollution and CO2.

Green-led councils across the country are already progressing on these issues.

Greens are already winners in Ashton. Councillor Lee Huntbach was first elected four years ago. We now need more Greens to support his work challenging Labour on the environment and Council tax bills.

Mohammed Karim (Labour)

My name is Mohammed Karim and it is my honour and privilege to be selected as one of your Labour candidates for Ashton Hurst Ward for the forthcoming local elections on 4 May.

I have lived in this ward with my family more than 20 years.

My three kids went to the local primary school, high school and Ashton Sixth Form College. They grew up playing in the local field.

I have always been involved with my community. I was a governor at a local high school and I am part of a few local organisations. I am currently President of a charity club.

I want to stand up for the local residents of my friendly home ward. This year you will be asked to cast three votes due to boundary changes. My colleagues Mike Glover, Dolores Lewis and I will be asking for your support for Ashton Hurst.

Please use your three votes for Labour on 4 May. Remember to take photo ID with you to the polling station on election day.

Dolores Lewis (Labour)

My name is Dolores Lewis and I am very proud to live in the Ward of Ashton Hurst with my colleagues Mike Glover and Mohammed Karim.

We work hard together as a team and we know and respect the local community of the place we hope to represent.

There is no doubt that hard decisions lie ahead. We are all facing tough times with the cost of living crisis but I do believe that a positive attitude and optimism about the future will see Ashton Hurst residents through.

Those who are acquainted with me know I do not shrink from honesty whilst giving answers to complex and contrasting situations albeit I will always do my best to find solutions to problems alongside Mike and Mohammed.

If I am elected my fundamental commitment will be to work with Mike and Mohammed along with the residents of Ashton Hurst for a safer and more sustainable place for us all to live.

Lucy Turner (Conservative)

After you elected me as your local councillor last year, I have been deeply involved with the community, whether through working on road safety to protect our children, improving our local environment through litter picks and trying to re-open the community garden at Hazelhurst, or supporting community groups and events, like the Brass Band contest and local scout and guide groups.

Dan and I have worked together to show what a strong Conservative team can achieve for you and your family.

If you re-elect us, we will encourage more community pride by supporting residents’ groups, assist the police tackle crime and antisocial behaviour by breathing life into stalled Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and help improve our environment by continuing our litter picks.

Don’t put all this at risk by leaving it to someone else to vote for it. Secure a strong future for our local communities by voting Lucy Turner and Dan Costello on 4 May.

Ashton St Michael's 

John Bartley (Liberal Democrats)

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John Bartley. Liberal Democrat standing in St Michael’s Ward Ashton-Under-Lyne.

Retired. Formerly a computer programmer.

If you don’t vote you can’t change anything. This is the first year you must have authorised photo ID to vote at a polling station. The alternative is to get a postal vote. Both these options will run out before polling day.

Local elections cover the environment and many services we rely on.

Councillors should be a service to the community.

Jean Drennan (Labour)

My name is Jean Drennan and it has been a privilege to serve the people of St Michaels since first being elected in 2021.

Since then, I have thrown myself into supporting many local community groups such as Hillgate Residents Association, Cockbrook Homewatch and Friends of King George V playing fields.

I also work closely with our local police and PCSO’s. Your St Michaels Labour Team is also setting up a number of new residents groups across the ward to continue our community engagement programme.

I’m vigilant in tackling antisocial behaviour and fly tipping and I regularly monitor hot spots and ensure any problems are reported as soon as possible.

If re-elected I’ll continue to work hard as part of your St Michaels Labour team and I will always be contactable and available to help constituents at any time. On 4 May, please use your three votes for your Labour candidates - Jean Drennan, Bill Fairfoull and Andrew McClaren.

Bill Fairfoull (Labour)

My name is Bill Fairfoull and I am extremely honoured to have been once again selected as one of your Labour candidates for St Michael’s Ward for the forthcoming local elections on 4 May.

I was first elected 2010 which coincided with the Tories coming to power. Since then we have seen over £200m taken away from our local budget.

This has meant it has become more difficult to provide services for local residents and further pressure being placed on Adult and Children’s social care services. It is important that St Michael’s has representatives who will ensure the ward gets its fair share of the pot - no matter how difficult our current financial situation.

This year you will be asked to cast three votes due to boundary changes. My colleagues Andrew McLaren, Jean Drennan and myself will be asking for your support for the St Michael’s Labour Team. Please could I ask you to use your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Victoria Golas (Conservative)

Making our communities safe is my number one priority, so I am pleased the Government is cracking down on antisocial behaviour and putting more 991 police officers on our streets.

Too often local residents are intimidated walking the streets of Ashton and it just isn’t good enough.

I am asking for your support to bring a fresh voice to our Council, and to fight for somewhere for younger people to go to see their friends.

Gangs of youths may be intimidating to some, but all too often, younger people are the victims themselves of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Most of the councillors in Tameside are retired and out of touch with what young people want and need. No-one is fighting for your children and grandchildren. If you elect me, I will stand up for everyone in St Michael’s and help everyone feel more secure.

Only a vote for your local Conservative candidate is a vote to make our streets safer.

Andrew McLaren (Labour)

I’m Andrew McLaren and I’m standing for the first time as a Labour candidate in St Michael’s ward. I’m a Chartered Surveyor.

I live and work in St Michael’s ward where I run my own surveying practice. I’m married with two children and my son attends the local comprehensive school.

My fellow candidates Bill Fairfoull and Jean Drennan are re-standing for election. They have been really helpful guiding me through the election campaign and their experience is invaluable.

I’ve already been involved with local resident’s meetings and trying to help and support the councillors resolve issues which include property related matters and planning issues.

I live, work, shop and socialise in St Michael’s ward. I love where I live and would love to serve the residents alongside Bill and Jean. If elected I will work continuously to serve all St Michael’s residents with empathy, honesty, hard work and integrity.

Jenny Ross (Green)

As a concerned mother of an 11-year-old son, I am working to promote essential environmental actions to protect his future.

I am offering the people of Ashton St Michael’s the opportunity to vote for a local Green candidate.

As a former School Governor, I have experience of advocating for individuals needing support. I can be trusted to act in the interests of residents in the ward.

Greens are already winners in Ashton since Councillor Lee Huntbach was elected four years ago. We need more Greens to support his work challenging Labour to improve performance and ceasing Council tax hikes.

I would support Councillor Huntbach’s goals of banning Council use of deadly Glyphosate weedkiller and transforming Council verges from grass to wildflowers. This will benefit wildlife as well as reducing maintenance costs.

The cost-of-living-crisis has highlighted the need to reduce transport costs with cheaper, reliable public transport and safer walking and cycling provision.

Green-led councils across the country are already progressing on these issues.

Ashton St Peter's 

Iftikhar Ahmad (Independent)

My name is Iftikhar Ahmad and I am a British Pakistani. I graduated in economics and have a diploma in film production. I have lots of experience with working with all sorts of people from different backgrounds.

I’m hardworking, honest and I aspire to take care of our community and make the decisions that satisfy us. I’d love to serve our community at any given opportunity. My goals are:

• Raise voice to freeze increases of Council Tax.

• Improve support for our young and elderly.

• Bonding our ethnic minorities together.

• Improve bin collections.

• Increase activities for our young and elderly.

Shazad Azam (Conservative)

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Residents tell me that the streets are dirty and full of potholes. The town centre is no longer what it used to be and is becoming a scary place to visit. Labour councillors have neglected Ashton and have no answers to these problems.

In contrast, not only is the Conservative Government investing £20 million into Ashton town centre to undo Labour’s neglect and bring much-needed jobs, your local Conservatives would introduce two-hours free parking to bring the shoppers back and make Ashton thrive again.

The Conservatives are also investing in road repairs and making our streets safer. I welcome the extra 991 police officers on our streets since the last election, and will push for St Peter’s to get its fair share of the £6.2 million extra given to Greater Manchester to fix the potholes

We deserve better in St Peter’s, so vote for me, Shazad Azam, your local Conservative candidate in these elections.

Joyce Bowerman (Labour)

My name is Joyce Bowerman and I feel proud and honoured that, once again, I have been chosen as one of the Labour Party candidates to represent St Peter’s Ward in the 2023 local elections on 4 May.

Due to boundary changes this year you will be asked to cast three votes. My colleagues and I will be asking for your support for the St Peter’s team.

I have lived in St Peter’s Ward all my life and I see first-hand the problems and needs of our community.

Years of Tory cuts have imposed the biggest economic and social crisis for many years with our community now facing rising food prices, more families having to use food banks, energy prices spiralling out of control and people having to make the terrible decision between “eating or heating”.

The residents of St Peter’s Ward should not have to bear the burden of Tory cuts; over £200 million pounds cut from Tameside’s budget since 2010.

Please vote Joyce Bowerman, Warren Bray and David McNally and we will let the Tories know that the people in our community stand together and we will make sure our voices are heard.

Warren Bray (Labour)

My name is Warren Bray and I am proud to be standing as a Labour candidate for St Peter’s ward once again.

I will continue the hard work dealing with the issues which affect you the most. The cost of living crisis has hit us all hard and we need to send a message to this Tory Government that we need change.

So many of us are struggling to cope with high fuel bills, an increase in mortgages and rents and the rising cost of food. Let’s tell this Government we have had enough on 4 May. Please use all three votes for Labour.

David McNally (Labour)

My name is David McNally and I am asking you to do me the great honour of reselecting me to represent St Peter’s ward as a Labour Councillor.

I’ve never been one to sit back when representing the people of St Peters and I will continue to do so. I’m proud of the many lovely residents and groups that make up the St Peter’s community.

Times are hard but they all help and support each other.

A vote for Labour on 4 May will send a strong message to this Government that we need change. Remember you will need suitable ID at the polling station. Please use all three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Sarah Whiteley (Green)

I am standing in the local elections to give the residents of St Peter’s the opportunity to vote for a Green candidate who is committed to local people and the planet. I have worked in education for almost 20 years in both primary and secondary schools. I understand the challenges local families face including the current cost of living crisis.

I am devoted to working with the council to support families, and ensure our young people have equitable opportunities when compared to other areas within Tameside and Greater Manchester.

As an ecology graduate, I would be well-placed to advance Tameside’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy.

I would work to improve access to and develop greenspaces as they are important for improving physical and mental health, as well as playing an essential role in increasing biodiversity.

Trees and plants capture and store CO2, improving air quality and combating climate change.

I’m free to represent the diverse St Peter’s community. In place of party bosses, I will be accountable to the people.

Ashton Waterloo 

Matt Allen (Conservative)

I know money is tight for many at the moment. But what has been the reaction of our politicians?

The Conservatives in Government have helped us with the £150 non-refundable Council Tax rebate, £400 for help with energy bills, £600 for pensioners, £300 for those who are disabled, £1,550 for those on means-tested benefits, increased the National Living Wage, and have cut the price of petrol at the pump.

In contrast, Labour have dumped extra worry on local families by hiking their Council Tax bills yet again.

But, when Labour councillors take home more than £1 million in allowances, they can afford it. We need councillors who understand the difficulties we are all facing. Conservative councillors voted against Labour’s hike in your Council Tax bills. We are on your side.

If you elect me on 4 May, I will work to make Waterloo’s future even better than its past.

Vimal Choksi (Labour)

My name is Vimal Choksi MBE and I have proudly represented the people of Ashton Waterloo since 2018.

I am immensely grateful to people of the ward for re-electing me once again in 2022 with an increased vote share.

Once again, I am honoured to be the Labour Party candidate for the third consecutive term.

Over the last five years, I have strived to make a visible contribution by effective representation to make Waterloo a better place to live and thrive through various initiatives such as the Clean, Safe, Greener Waterloo pledge, making a visible difference to fly tipping hotspots, working with police and the community to tackle rising crime levels and improve road safety, lobbied the council for the capital investment in the ward and brought swift repairs of potholes and street lights and supported local community groups and events such as Waterloo Action, Richmond Street Community Centre, Friends of Waterloo Park Centre and 4C Community Centre.

I am humbly requesting your support once again on 4 May.

Christine Clark (Green)

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I am proud to be standing alongside our established Green Councillor Lee Huntbach in Ashton Waterloo.

More Greens on the Council will strengthen our influence when challenging the huge Labour majority.

I fully support Lee’s attempt to cut toxic pesticide use and swap grass verges for wildflowers.

As a Green Councillor I would work to progress Tameside’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy. There are still no defined actions or targets, despite an already agreed Greater Manchester Environment Plan.

Given the dramatic increase in the cost of living, we need now, more than ever to insulate homes to lower energy bills, to heat our homes and reduce CO2 emissions.

Improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure and better, cheaper public transport would save on rising fuel costs and reduce car dependence, pollution and CO2 emissions.

The people of this ward have proved that voting Green can effect change, especially where Conservative votes are wasted.

Green-led councils across the country are already achieving success on these issues.

Trevor Clarke (Green)

This Labour council is not taking sustainability seriously. Health, housing, transport needs, energy usage and even the air and water which sustain us should be the first consideration of the council in all its activities.

Too often these take a back seat as add-ons, not at the heart of policy making. Labour (and Tory) councillors simply don’t ‘get it’ yet.

Green policies on fitting of home insulation, energy use and transport would save money and energy and help with the cost-of-living crisis, whilst creating local jobs.

This council was the last in Greater Manchester to recognise that a climate emergency is upon us. It was late in drawing up a climate strategy to tackle it too; although that turned out to be a glossy pamphlet rather than a serious statement with targets and measures of progress.

Both these things only happened when our Green councillor, backed by the local Green Party, was about to submit embarrassing questions.

Tameside needs more Green councillors asking awkward questions and holding this council to account.

Dave Howarth (Labour)

My name is Dave Howarth and I am honoured to have been selected as a Labour candidate for Ashton Waterloo ward.

This is particularly important for me as I was brought up in Waterloo and attended Waterloo Primary School.

In recent years, I’ve been active in the community, organising and taking part in weekly litter picks with the Waterloo Action group, delivering fortnightly food donations to Pauline Town and volunteering in Waterloo Park.

I helped to organise the Halloween Event last year and the recent Easter event. I firmly believe events such as these bring the community together and I will continue to promote such activities.

I’ve also worked alongside Waterloo News to keep people informed of news and events around Waterloo and helping to support many appeals, particularly the Ukrainian Refugee Appeal.

I am a local candidate and I will continue to work within the community, helping to make Waterloo a better place to live.

If elected, I will work hard for all the residents of Waterloo and look forward to serving the people of Waterloo with my close friends Vimal Choksi and Sangita Patel.

Due to boundary changes, you will be asked to cast votes for three candidates on 4 May and I hope everyone will make it three votes for Labour on election day.

Lee Huntbach (Green)

As an established Green Party Councillor, I am proud to stand again for the people of Ashton Waterloo.

I have consistently challenged the Labour Council to improve performance and provide value in the face of government cuts. I don’t think yearly, maximum Council Tax hikes are necessary or fair.

I believe my bid to ban the use of deadly pesticides and transform grass verges into wildflower verges has widespread appeal.

The benefits in reduced costs and enhanced habitat for wildlife is a win/win for the budget as well as the environment. I will continue to challenge the Council on this issue.

I created the ‘Waterloo Wombles’ before my election and have since raised funds to establish the ‘Junior Wombles’. This programme helps young people improve fitness and encourage community spirit. Ashton Waterloo residents have backed me and proved that Greens can challenge and beat Labour with hard work and persistence.

If you want Green, vote Green!

Sangita Patel (Labour)

My name is Sangita Patel and I am delighted to be standing for re-election in Ashton Waterloo after first being elected in 2021.

I was born and have lived in Ashton all my life and I am passionate about making changes and for the better.

I have over 30 years of experience working in Regeneration and Neighbourhood Services. As well as resolving all types of residents enquires, I support community groups including Waterloo Action and 4C Community Centre.

I am Chair of Waterloo Park and Centre where I have organised many community events. I have arranged for school groups to visit to plant vegetables and learn about climate change. With my support the group received a national Britain in Bloom award.

I currently serve as Assistant Executive Member for Culture and Digital Inclusivity and was proud to organise the Christmas Lantern Parade which brought joy to families and attracted few thousands to the town centre.

I have loved serving the people of Waterloo and want to continue to do so. Please use all three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Audenshaw

Nick Axford (Labour)

I am a local resident living on the Kings Grange estate, with a background in data analysis.

I am seeking to be elected as your local Labour councillor.

I want help to make Audenshaw the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Since moving to Audenshaw, I have been an active member of the community. My son will be attending school in Audenshaw from September, I am looking forward to working with all schools in the town to ensure our children get the best education possible.   

If given the opportunity to serve our residents, I will be a strong voice for Audenshaw and will work hard to support residents with any issues that arise, and help people through the Conservative cost of living crisis. I will also work hard and make it my priority to ensure that Audenshaw gets the services, investment and opportunities that it deserves.

Charlotte Martin (Labour)

Hello, I have had the privilege of being one of Audenshaw’s elected Councillors for four years. I am asking our residents to continue to put their faith in my ability to be a strong voice for our town.

I am Audenshaw born and bred, my primary school was St Anne’s RC Primary School, I am now a proud Governor at Aldwyn Primary School.

I have background in children’s social work and my role now is as a caseworker, to help local people resolve issues that are affecting them.

I am an active member of Ryecroft Hall’s events team. I am committed to a safer Audenshaw - supporting neighbourhood watch, including my home estate, of Roker Park.

I am part of delivering “Band in the Park” at Ryecroft Hall and Memorial Gardens every summer. I really hope to be successful in deserving your vote as Labour’s candidate on 4 May.

Danny Mather (Conservative)

Just weeks after being re-elected last year, Audenshaw’s Labour councillor dumped our town for personal political ambitions in Burnley. But he still takes thousands of pounds in allowances, despite never being seen around the area.

Residents tell me they want someone who will roll up their sleeves and get stuck in for our area.

Over the past few years, I have worked hard for our community - leading volunteers in litter picks, planting flowers in the park, campaigning to protect our children by fighting to cut traffic speeds and stop the off-road bikes, lighting up the Memorial Gardens at Christmas, and successfully pressing for the restoration of the Trough.

Labour just don’t care for Audenshaw and takes you for granted. Which of their candidates will abandon us this year? If you elect me, I will continue work hard all year round and will never leave Audenshaw behind.

Every vote really makes a difference, so vote for change this May, vote for your local Conservative candidate.

Luke Robinson (Green)

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I am standing to give the people of Audenshaw the opportunity to vote for a local Green candidate.

As a Green Councillor I would work to progress Tameside’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy. The council declared a climate emergency three years ago but the Council still lacks sufficient defined actions or targets, despite an already agreed Greater Manchester Environment Plan.

Given the dramatic increase in the cost of living, the obvious actions to pursue are firstly home insulation - for lower energy bills and less CO2 emissions.

Secondly, real walking and cycling infrastructure and better and cheaper public transport. This would reduce fuel costs as well as reducing both pollution and CO2.

Green-led councils across the country are already working on these issues.

Greens are already winners in Tameside since Councillor Lee Huntbach was first elected four years ago. It is high time we added more Greens to support his work challenging Labour on the environment and Council tax bills.

Teresa Smith (Labour)

The local elections are fast approaching, and I am delighted to have been selected again to stand as a Labour candidate in Audenshaw.

The highlight of being a councillor is the amazing people that I meet. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with residents, volunteers and community groups.

Most of us are feeling the impact of the cost of living, and along with my colleagues and community groups we have delivered free events including Christmas movie nights and bands in the parks where every child received a free ice cream.

I pledge to help make Audenshaw a cleaner, greener environment. This means rolling up sleeves and litter picking, sorting out fly tipping and planting trees and bulbs.

If elected, I promise to always be available to the people of Audenshaw and work with my Team Audenshaw colleagues to make our area a cleaner, safer and stronger community.

I hope I can count on your vote on 4 May.

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