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 Ashton Hurst.
Samantha Aspin (Independent)
I AM a proud resident of Hurst who cares deeply about the community and the people who live here.
My parents bought their home in Hurst in 1984, and I have witnessed the deterioration of our ward.
I have seen its strengths and the challenges we face, which has inspired me to take a more active interest in local issues and how decisions are made, even though standing was a last-minute decision.
I believe strongly in a practical, common-sense approach to problem solving, focusing on what genuinely benefits the community rather than political point scoring.
Issues such as maintaining services, improving safety, supporting businesses, maintaining clean and safe streets and protecting the character of our area are all important to me.
I believe representation should be driven by the needs of residents, not party agendas. On a personal level, I take pride in being approachable, reliable, and willing to listen to others and aim to play a positive role in supporting the area and helping ensure that residents’ voices are heard.
I want better for the ward I live in. I know residents in Hurst want, and deserve, better too.
Paige Iborra (Green Party)
I AM standing to ensure the people in my community have the opportunity to vote for a party that represents their best interests.
For the people trying to get by during the cost of living crisis, yet feel no support from those in power and to offer an option for unity and solidarity in a world that is evermore divided.
I joined the Green Party because it feels like a beacon of hope in UK politics.
We offer an alternative to parties that use division and hate as a means of distracting electors from the key issues affecting daily life.
I believe we all want the same thing – to see improvement in everyday living, to ensure our families and our communities are looked after and to keep our streets safe
And I believe the Green Party best resonates with this message and serves as our best chance at seeing real change.
Keiron Lawrence (Reform UK)
I AM a proud father of two, a Christian, a patriot and a community-minded resident of Ashton Hurst with family life at the centre of everything I do.
With a long career in hospitality, I understand the value of hard work, high standards and treating people properly.
Born and bred in Manchester, with deep roots in Ashton-under-Lyne, I know the area well and care deeply about its future.
I am standing for Reform UK because I have watched standards decline, local concerns ignored, and too many people let down by Labour in Tameside.
I did not come into politics out of ambition, but because I believe standing on the sidelines is no longer enough.
I want to protect our green spaces, demand accountability and be a dependable voice for local residents.
Public service should be about integrity, responsibility and doing right by the community I am proud to call home.
Noreen Shahzad (Labour)
I AM a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 20 years’ service at our local hospital and have a strong record of standing up for others, including residents, as a trade union activist and hospital clinical governor
As a passionate community champion, I have spent nearly two decades working with local community groups to bring people together, strengthen our communities and organise fundraising events, including for the Tameside Mayor’s causes.
I also founded two women’s community groups focused on empowering and supporting females across our area.
I am deeply committed to equality, justice, safety, and women’s empowerment.
As an active member of the Labour Party, I am proud to stand as the Labour candidate for Hurst.
Professional, approachable and driven, I will listen and work hard for every resident, supporting our local businesses, revitalising our high streets, and delivering practical change for a stronger future in Hurst.
Rachel Taylor (Conservative Party)
MY NAME is Rachel and I am standing as a councillor in Ashton Hurst in the local elections in May.
I am a secondary school teacher and local resident. I have been campaigning in Ashton Hurst for nearly a year, engaging with people, attending meetings, resolving community issues and actively participating in cross-party campaigns.
My key aims are to tackle fly tipping, working with local residents, community groups and the police.
To reduce anti-social behaviour, Tameside Conservatives are campaigning for mobile surveillance in town centres across the borough.
Education is my passion and we need to improve education outcomes in Ashton and across the borough and I will campaign for better SEND provision.
Ashton Hurst deserves a councillor who listens, takes action when issues arise and gets results. I understand the local issues and will ensure your voices are heard.