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 Dukinfield and Stalybridge, who were asked to tell us what they aim to do for the area.

Dukinfield

Jackie Lane (Labour)

I have been your Labour councillor for over 20 years and I am putting myself up for re-election to represent the people of Dukinfield in the upcoming elections on 4 May.

I am married to Dawson and we have four sons between us.

I was born, bred and educated in Dukinfield and have worked hard as a councillor supporting residents and the community by attending meetings, surgeries, dealing with residents queries, organising Christmas switch ons, park fun days and involving myself in any changes that may affect our Dukinfield community or residents.

I am passionate about my voluntary work which includes Macmillan Nurses, Domestic Violence Refuge, I am a trustee at The Together Centre based at Loxley House which is going from strength to strength and used regularly by Dukinfield residents.

My role is to organise many events including fairs, Christmas parties, the Food Pantry, providing lunches and support to the elderly and vulnerable whenever needed.

Thank you for your continued support, I promise to continue to work hard on your behalf and in your best interests.

David Rose (Conservative)

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Ashton has got a new indoor and outdoor market, a new bus station, the Metrolink, new council offices and college buildings, and the old swimming baths have been renovated, Droylsden a new marina, Denton a new multi-million pound health and leisure centre and Hyde is promised new swimming baths. But what have we seen here in Dukinfield?

Labour has been an utter failure for local families. We have seen all the money being spent elsewhere in Tameside, and we are expected to pay ever higher Council Tax bills for everyone else to benefit. Just what is the point of Labour locally?

On 4 May you have the chance to change all that by electing a strong Conservative councillor who will stand up for you and your family.

Re-electing the same, tired Labour councillor won’t do anything for us. Only by voting for me, David Rose, can we bring pride back to Dukinfield.

Naila Sharif (Labour)

I am a proud resident of Dukinfield and I’m privileged to be selected to stand in my local ward again.

I’m overjoyed with what has been achieved so far and I look forward to the future. From supporting residents with casework to working with our brilliant community groups and organisations, I believe collectively we have made our area a cleaner, greener and safer place to live. Working in the volunteering sector at grassroot level has exposed me to real life instances of people daily struggles and hardships.

Working in the NHS has allowed me to understand the immense pressure the ridiculous Conservative policies and decisions have put our nation under, even more and I am here to support those who need our help most.

I hope I can count on your support in this upcoming election to continue to allow Dukinfield to prosper and develop in the future. If re-elected, I will do everything in the best interests of the people of Dukinfield.

John Taylor (Labour)

I am married with two sons and four grandchildren. We all live in Dukinfield. I am a member of the GMB trade union and Chairman of the Dukinfield Ward Labour Party.

Julie Wood (Green)

Having stood here in Dukinfield for many years, coming a close second in 2019, I am electable as well as resilient. I am delighted to be standing again to give people a realistic alternative to Labour.

We already have an established Green Councillor in Ashton and I would like to join him. With three votes this time, it makes sense to vote Green.

It is crucial for democracy to have balance and diversity within the Council. As well as our own Green Councillor, nationally we have increased our numbers of Councillors more than any other party in percentage terms. We can provide that balance and diversity.

I support better public transport and safer walking and cycling to reduce our reliance on cars, cutting pollution and reducing congestion.

I would fight to protect valued greenbelt for people, wildlife and to alleviate flood risk and combat climate change. Affordable, sustainable housing, built for the benefit of people rather than developer profits is what we need.

Dukinfield-Stalybridge

Leanne Feeley (Labour)

I have represented Dukinfield & Stalybridge for seven years. I am standing because I care about how we shape our future.

Despite the on-going challenges, I believe we must listen carefully to residents. In my professional work of over 30 years I have had the privilege of serving the public in various roles, a teacher, community development and arts worker.

I have worked with many local groups and committees and I am particularly proud of a number of achievements including, The Greater Manchester Town of Culture for Stalybridge, Christmas Celebration and Whit Friday Brass Band Contest. The First Special Education Needs Sixth-Form at Cromwell School. Providing Holiday Activity and Food funding during school holidays.

My commitment if elected:

• Support our schools through the many challenges ahead

• Provide local activities for all ages & Holiday Activity support

• I will continue to bring my values of fairness, positivity, compassion and enterprise to the role.

Three votes for Labour.

Linda Freeman (Green)

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I have lived in Stalybridge for over 20 years and worked in the NHS in Tameside and Trafford. I am standing so that there is an opportunity to vote Green in this ward.

As a Green Councillor I would want to see real practical progress on Tameside’s recently published Climate Change and Environment Strategy. It is over three years since a climate emergency was declared in the borough, but as yet we have no definitive action plan.

We have an opportunity to address both climate change and the enormous increases in energy costs through a project on home insulation for warmer homes, lower energy bills and less CO2.

Improvements to our walking and cycling infrastructure and better cheaper public transport could save on expensive driving, reducing both pollution and CO2. There are examples to learn from in Green-led councils across the country.

Kurt McPartland (Conservative)

I am a local lad living in Stalybridge and have done so for most of my life. I work on the highways fixing roads and potholes. I regularly raise money for various local charities. I’m a grafter and I’ll work hard for our community of Dukinfield and Stalybridge.

Unfortunately, we have three Labour councillors in cabinet jobs at the council on over £100,000 between them. They are doing a lousy job but are paid enormous amounts for failure. Isn’t it time for a change?

I want to work to deliver a better Dukinfield and Stalybridge with safer and cleaner streets as my priority. I want to see regeneration in our town centres delivered, not just talked about. And our greenbelt protected.

Last year, I lost by 93 votes. I know many of you would find it difficult to vote Conservative. I understand that. I’m a former Labour supporter, but I realised how bad this council was and nothing is going to change. You have three votes this year. What I will ask you is to lend me one of your votes so that I can prove to you that I can make a difference and work hard on your behalf.

David Sweeton (Labour)

Having lived in the ward for nearly 50 years with 22 of those as your councillor, I am delighted and proud to have once again been selected by The Labour Party to stand as a candidate in the 2023 local elections.

I know the issues that matter to you as residents and my hopes and aspirations for our ward have never faltered with time.

We must continue to support families and schools as they equip our young people to meet challenges and achieve their ambitions.

Communities must remain vibrant, attractive and safe places to live with continued commitment to our workplace infrastructure in order to deliver quality jobs, opportunities and wages.

Town centres, badly hit around the UK and still recovering from Covid need continual public and private investment and the newly announced £20m Levelling up Fund success for Stalybridge will allow us to speed up the delivery of new homes and exciting retail and night time destinations into the centre.

Please use your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Eleanor Wills (Labour)

I live in Stalybridge with my husband David and our three children. It’s been a privilege to represent the residents of Dukinfield and Stalybridge, an area that I’ve lived all my life and now raise my three young children in.

The strength of community across Dukinfield and Stalybridge is evident and drives me to live, work and represent everyone here equally.

I want to continue to be a strong voice for our community in Dukinfield and Stalybridge. The cost of living crisis has seen our residents visiting foodbanks more frequently, or for the first time.

It’s never been more important to have someone on your side, standing up for you. Support me on Thursday 4th May, I will continue working for you, driving down the inequalities we face, representing our area, our community, to continue to stand strong so our children and grandchildren continue to live in an area they can be proud of.

Please remember to use your three votes for Labour.

Also standing:

David Dawson (Conservative)

Malcolm Smith (Conservative)

Stalybridge North

Steven Barton (Independent)

A vote for me is a vote for you, I get it done. I live and work in the area and I see what people need on a daily basis.

I support the community with anything I can. Through the community hub, Academy HQ, and food bank, I see the poverty first hand, as I visit people’s homes. I am very visible within the area and approachable, but I see the food issues, mental health problems, child poverty, domestic violence, anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and transport issues.

I work with local businesses, to help provide white goods, carpets, and I also see first hand the desperate situation people are living in. We  also offer gas / electric help. I believe Stalybridge needs community-minded people in charge independent ones.

I look around the town, it’s a shadow of what it used to be. Why would anyone vote for me? Because I actually help people and care about them.

I’ve made Easter egg donations, provided Christmas presents and clothes to those in need, work with schools and food banks.

The only way I could do more is if I stopped sleeping. I support local businesses in Stalybridge and work with them.

Christine Beardmore (Labour)

I am proud to stand for election for Stalybridge North Ward. I will fight for local services because I believe that people deserve a clean, green and safe place to live.

I have lived in Stalybridge for over 30 years and use local shops and facilities because I think that is important to support local businesses to create a prosperous town and community.

As a founder member of the Stalybridge Town Challenge Advisory Group. I was part of the team which organised the consultation with local people which shaped the successful regeneration proposals for Stalybridge.

I have also worked upon community projects in Ridgehill, organised charity fundraisers for Stalybridge East Food Bank and a petition to save local bus services.

If I am elected, I will continue to work with my Labour colleagues to promote regeneration and champion services for local people and ensure that your voice is heard.

Please remember your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Jan Jackson (Labour)

It is a privilege and honour to stand for re-election in Stalybridge North, as a strong voice for the residents I represent.

As a united team, the good work done will be built on to support our local groups/organisations in our communities; to keep vital facilities and make them sustainable.

The fight will continue to get better bus services for residents across the Ward.

I will never give up challenging the injustice and inequality suffered by many and my passion will continue to bring communities together through initiatives like Whit Friday Brass Band Contests, Stalybridge Carnival, litter picks, gardening competitions, to include fund raising for local charities and causes.

Resolving issues of concern and making a difference is at the heart of all I am about. Three Votes for Labour on 4 May 2023.

Ky Marland (Conservative)

Working for Change, Working for You. Stalybridge North needs change, and I intend to do just that if elected.

I am writing to you today to notify you of my interest in standing as a candidate for the upcoming local election. As a long-time resident of this community, I am deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of our town, and I believe that I can make a meaningful contribution to local governance.

I have not been happy with the Labour Party for a while now, and especially our local Labour Council. For voting for them has come at a cost.

Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. I have worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders to identify and address key issues, and I have a proven track record of successfully implementing innovative solutions to complex problems.

If given the opportunity to serve as a local representative, I would be committed to working collaboratively with other elected officials, community organisations, and residents to promote transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

I believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for our town and ensure that it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for generations to come.

On May the 4th, vote for Ky Marland and let your voice be heard it is important that Tameside Council keeps an opposition to hold it to account.

Let’s show Tameside Labour enough is enough.

The stakes are too high for you to stay home.

Alice Mason-Power (Green)

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I live in Stalybridge with my husband and two young children, and I’m a teacher working in special educational needs.

I am standing in Stalybridge North to give the area the chance to vote for a local Green candidate.

I believe that Tameside needs more Green Councillors in order to challenge and progress the council’s recently published Climate Change and Environment Strategy. Despite the council publicly acknowledging the climate emergency, we still have no defined targets or action plan.

Green councils across the country are already achieving on actions such as improved cycling and walking infrastructure, and better and cheaper public transport which have the immediate effect of reducing pollution and carbon emissions, as well as helping local people with the rising costs of fuel.

With the rise in energy bills, investing in home insulation must also be a priority.

Electing more Green Councillors is key to making our community fairer and if you want Green, vote Green!

Clive Patrick (Conservative)

It is a great honour that I have been asked again to stand for election as Councillor for Stalybridge North.

I served as Councillor in this ward from 2008 to 2012 and because I live in the ward it feels like I am coming home.

The ward is very diverse, perhaps the most diverse in Tameside. Ranging from the conservation area of Carrbrook right across the Valley to Heyrod and then on up to Ridgehill and Arlies.

Each area having its own problems and concerns. As ward Councillor the challenges are plentiful but it was, and I hope will be, the challenges that keep the job interesting and fulfilling.

The election is the most important one in a generation because it is an “All Out” election, which doesn’t happen often.

Therefore all seats are up for grabs not just a third of them.

Adrian Pearce (Labour)

It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Stalybridge North Ward as a Labour Councillor since 2015.

My reasons for seeking election as a Councillor were to support local communities by fighting for local services, ensuring that local people had a voice in decision making and to promote the regeneration of Stalybridge.

These reasons have not changed, although Government cuts and economic pressures have made delivering these objectives more difficult.

I have been successful in promoting the regeneration of Stalybridge, the results of which will be seen in the next five years. I have enjoyed working with local communities on Ridgehill and Carrbrook to develop services, like the Bread and Butter Thing, to support local people or argue with the bus companies to retain a proper bus service.

Working with my Labour colleagues, I ask for your support to take this work forward over the next four years. Please use your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Lisa Tilbrook (Conservative) 

I have lived in Stalybridge all my life and so have been looking for an opportunity to be able to try and make a difference.

Having seen Labour destroy our town centre, continue to destroy our greenbelt and continually increase council tax, its time to vote for change.

In Stalybridge North, there are lots of great community groups and I would look to support these across the ward.

All three current Councillors voted to knock down the conservatory in Stamford Park. I believe that this should be preserved as much as possible and given back to the community for community use.

We have all seen how our town centre has been eradicated over time and I want to support local businesses as much as possible. If elected, I will work hard on your behalf to improve the area where we live.

Stalybridge South 

Liam Billington (Conservative)

I have been a councillor for five years and in that time, I regularly stand up for the interests of residents – whether that be getting bins emptied, potholes fixed, working with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and burglaries, protecting our Green Belt or supporting our local shops and businesses demanding town centre regeneration.

Labour candidates may come with warm words. They say they will sort out fly-tipping but it’s under their stewardship that it has rocketed and the council failed to prosecute a single person between 2017 and 2022. Now they are cutting back street cleaning!

They will say we need the town centre regenerated, but after having £2.5 million for Market Street’s Heritage Action Zone have you noticed any difference?

I get up at every council meeting and speak on behalf of you. The majority of Labour councillors sit there in silence. Do you want a Labour councillor sitting there doing nothing? Having a Labour councillor won’t make a difference as they already have 48 – but a strong Conservative team on the council will.

The Conservatives have a plan. Put more resources into enforcement to crack down on cowboy developers, flytipping and licencing issues.

A Conservative council would also create a local plan where our greenbelt is protected and brownfield sites in town centres are regenerated to encourage new homes and businesses.

Labour have had 45 years of running the council. If they can’t get it right in 45 years, there’s no hope they will in the future. Now is the time for change with the Conservatives.

Francesca Coates (Labour)

Empty bins, filled potholes, no fly-tipping. From talking to constituents on the doorstep, I know these are things that we all care about in Stalybridge South.

As a Stalybridge resident, I want to enhance its unique characteristics.

As a new candidate, I am standing because I want to take action!

When St Paul’s Primary was put into special measures, I stepped up as Chair of Governors to help the school regain its Good OFSTED rating.

As Chair of the PTA at Millbrook Primary School, I work in a team to provide memorable experiences for the children as well as raising £1000s for the school.

March 2020, we saw the panic as Covid came to Stalybridge. People needed shopping and medical supplies. I helped set up and run the Stalybridge Covid Support hotline, which was a lifeline to many.

If you want someone who works with local communities to get stuff done, please vote for me and my Labour colleagues on 4 May.

Doreen Dickinson (Conservative)

It has been a huge privilege to represent Stalybridge South as your Conservative Councillor for many years and with your vote, I am hoping to still be able to represent you after May 4th.

I strongly believe as a Councillor I am your voice, I will fight your cause alongside you, representing your opinions on matters that concern you.

Most people know that if they need me I am very easy to contact and if you have a problem, I listen, support and help whenever I have been needed, from a bin not being collected to a licensing or planning application that really affects you.

This election is about people who will work for you, go that extra mile for you and I believe I do that, given the chance that is exactly what I will keep on doing.

Katy Flanagan (Labour)

I come from a strong Labour family with a history rooted in Stalybridge South, so the need for social justice and grassroots involvement is a big part of who I am, whether that’s through my career or community work.

The values I possess provide a clear vision of the borough I want my family and residents of Stalybridge South to live in.

This includes making sure everyone has the opportunity to have a decent, affordable home by prioritising building on brown field sites, by keeping our communities safe with more police officers and PCSOs, and giving our children’s schools the funding they so badly need.

As a Mum of three, I have a vested interest in local schools and services, as well as the cultural enrichment of Stalybridge. I want my children to be proud of where they live and provide them with the best possible education, that will allow them to dream big and fulfil their aspirations.

I have taken an active interest in the protection and upkeep of our green spaces, and, I will carry on the fight against fly tipping throughout Stalybridge South and vow to continue this as your council representative.

Working in our communities, for our communities all year round.

Please use your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

Amanda Hickling (Green)

I have my own sewing business; teaching and making/altering clothes and host coffee mornings and fundraising events. My husband and I moved to Stalybridge to start a family and now have two girls.

I am standing as a candidate because I believe Green politics can change our lives for the better.

The Green Party is committed to saving our precious green spaces. Looking to tackle the housing crisis through using empty properties, providing better, safer management of properties and better regulation of developments.

We champion better transport planning, and safer streets, with the vision that every child can walk, cycle or scoot safely to school, and play outside in clean air.

I believe in challenging the cost-of-living crisis with a fairer tax system including a windfall tax on the most polluting industries.

We have an established Green Councillor in Ashton and have trebled our numbers of Councillors across the country in four years, which proves just how electable we are.

If you want Green, vote Green.

Stuart McKenzie (Labour)

I am standing because I am passionate about raising the issues faced by my generation and being a voice for the priorities of the most under-represented group in politics.

We desperately need more young people both marking and on the ballot papers. The average age of a first-time buyer in the North-West is 31.

Half of those who go off to university move straight back home, and the vast majority of those who don’t live in a house share with ever-increasing rents trapping them.

Rather than respond to this with apathy, I want to be kicking up a fuss on behalf of all those who feel left behind.

My priority will be Stalybridge South’s residents and Tameside’s young people. If you want more understanding between the generations, someone trying to make young people feel they have a future in Tameside, and fresh local voices on the Council, Francesca Katie and I are on your side. Please use your three votes for Labour on 4 May.

David Tilbrook (Conservative)

I’ve lived in Stalybridge for over 20 years. As an active member of the community, I am involved with several groups and am Vice-Chair at West Hill School.

I am pleased to be joining the Stalybridge South team after having worked across the town, including campaigning to improve our town centre.

Working alongside the other Conservative Councillors in the ward, I will work hard to try and keep the area as clean as possible, look at how to make our roads safer and will work alongside residents to help fight the development on Matley Lane where a proposed 91 houses are to be built on greenbelt.

I hope I can count on your vote to continue having a strong team in Stalybridge South.

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