PEOPLE in Tameside get the chance to decide who they want to represent them on the borough’s council as the area goes to the polls on Thursday, May 7.
Nationally, politics may seem more polarised with the rise of Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left
Many are also billing the ward results as an indication of the country’s feelings about the current Labour government.
But locally, many of the issues remain the same. Will potholes be filled? Will the bins be emptied on time? How will councillors work for my area?
Ahead of this year’s local elections, The Correspondent has asked every candidate standing to supply profiles detailing how they area and their vision for their ward.
Here is the rundown of those standing in St Peter’s.
Muhammad Ali (Independent)
No profile submitted
Marie Fairhurst (Independent)
No profile submitted
Gaynor Francis (Reform UK)
I HAVE lived in Tameside for 40 years and raised my son here, so I understand the pressures facing working families and the frustration of watching our area decline.
Over the years I have seen local services disappear, from banks and post offices to police stations, while basic standards have been allowed to slip.
I am standing for Reform UK because I believe local people deserve accountability, honest priorities and proper value for taxpayers’ money.
I want to see cleaner streets, better upkeep, support for local shops and a town centre people can feel proud of again.
I am deeply concerned by fly tipping, litter and visible neglect and I believe that restoring civic pride starts with getting the basics right.
Ashton is a great historic town that has been badly let down.
I want to help turn that around with practical action, common sense and a clear focus on the needs of everyday residents, not wasteful vanity projects.
Ahmed Mehmood (Independent)
LABOUR has held this seat for over 47 years, but local people have been badly let down. Now it is time for change.
For many years I have been a community advocate, helping residents, organising alleyway clean-ups, tackling fly tipping and bringing people together through local community events.
I have visited thousands of homes across the ward and become a familiar face in the community. People recognise me and see the hard work I do.
St Peter’s Ward has three councillors, two Labour and one Independent. I am standing to win the next seat from Labour and give residents a stronger independent voice. Labour has been invisible over the last few years and has lost touch with the people it is meant to serve. I am now that alternative.
I am standing to challenge Labour policies that are not working for local people, including potholes, blocked gullies, overgrown trees, bin problems and other local issues, while shaping better policies through council committees.
Your voice will be my priority at the council.
Atta Ul-Rasool (Labour)
I AM proud to stand as the local Labour candidate for St Peter’s Ward in the May 2026 local elections.
Born, raised and living here, St Peter’s is not where I’m from, it is who I am.
Over the past four years, I’ve worked alongside local residents, organisations and community groups, supporting people and delivering results on the issues that matter most.
If elected, I will champion cleaner, safer streets, fight for investment in parks and green spaces, expand opportunities for young people, families and support older residents, while strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together.
I am the only candidate with deep local roots and a proven track record in St Peter’s. Others lack real connection to our ward. I understand the area, its challenges and will work tirelessly to deliver for every resident.
From day one, I will listen, act and stand up for St Peter’s.