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 left-wing Green Party.
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 bin 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 Audenshaw.
Nick Axford (Labour)
IT HAS been a privilege to serve as a councillor in Audenshaw for the last three years, working to act on your priorities.
I opposed developers who wanted to turn Fairfield View Care Home into a 57-room ‘co-living’ HMO. We took action to stop these plans.
I am supporting small businesses like The Pearl in their fight against a supermarket giant; proposals that would cause chaos in Audenshaw.
I helped to stop proposals for a housing estate and business park on Fairfield Golf Club; I’m now working to secure the long-term protection of the site.
We brought events like Band In The Park, Film Nights and our Christmas Lantern Parade to Audenshaw – events enjoyed by families across the town.
I secured improvements to our roads, got potholes fixed, streetlights repaired and worked to keep our town clean.
I have a track record on working hard for our town. Please re-elect me on May 7 so I can continue to deliver for you.
Thomas Dunne (Conservative Party)
No profile submitted
Glenn Piper (Green Party)
I AM proud to have the opportunity to stand as a candidate for the Green Party in Audenshaw.
I wanted to give people the chance to vote for a local representative and offer a real alternative to the two main parties.
We need to work together to find solutions to common problems.
I have worked in education all my adult life and have campaigned on various issues such as forced academisation, over testing of primary school pupils and lack of adequate provision and support for SEND.
I am passionate about environmental issues and striving for a cleaner, greener and safer place to live is a priority.
I recently retired after 30 years in teaching and am a keen runner and cyclist. I have experience of working on various committees and chairing meetings effectively.
Our Green Belt and other green spaces are essential for health and wellbeing and need to be protected. The Green Party is doing great work in councils up and down the country.
It’s time for a change in Tameside. If you want Green, vote Green.
Kim Roberts (Reform UK)
AFTER 22 years serving in the Royal Air Force, I moved to the North West with my family in 1998 and have lived in Tameside for more than a decade, settling in Audenshaw four years ago.
I am standing for Reform UK because I believe our communities need common sense, accountability and people willing to put residents first.
I have run businesses in aviation services and property renovations, so I understand the pressures facing local enterprise and the need to back hard work, apprenticeships and growth.
As a C-licensed aircraft engineer, and now a skills development tutor and engineering assessor, I care deeply about skills, discipline and giving young people better opportunities.
Since our branch was formed in 2024, I have served as secretary, helping to build a serious local alternative.
I oppose the local blight of HMOs and want stronger law and order on our streets, with practical action to protect Audenshaw after years of Labour neglect.