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 Denton South.
Peter Cotton (Conservative Party)
No profile submitted
Alex Culbert (Labour)
I WOULD like to tell you a bit about myself and what I believe in.
I was born in Manchester, live in Tameside and believe deeply in the power of politics to make things better for people.
We can see the impact that Labour has had on Greater Manchester – now the fastest growing city in Britain.
I want to make my pledges for Denton South clear. I will stand up to developers – on sites like Two Trees field and Bredbury Parkway.
I will advocate for more youth services in Haughton Green.
I will take on United Utilities and protect the Tame Valley from further pollution.
I will push the council to invest in our roads and undo the damage of years of underinvestment by central government.
Audra Murray (Reform UK)
I WAS born and raised in Haughton Green and live in Denton – so this area is not just where I am standing, it is home.
From helping in my parents’ newsagent on Mill Lane to running my own floristry business for 15 years, I understand the value of hard work and the pressures of supporting a family while trying to keep a local business going.
I have also worked in local government in amenities and waste, so I have seen first-hand both the problems residents face and the obstacles that too often stop things getting done.
My work has included tackling fly tipping, improving neighbourhoods and maintaining green spaces, which is why I believe in visible, practical improvements people can actually see.
With further experience in award-winning community projects and the Prison and Probation Service, I am standing for Reform UK to support families and to help restore pride in Denton South and Haughton Green.
Jackie Olden (Green Party)
I AM delighted to stand as a candidate for the Green Party in Denton South.
Having lived in the area for more than 10 years, I know how it feels to be left behind.
I have been campaigning nationally for gambling reform since 2023. In my opinion, the gambling industry is one of the most blatant displays of a transfer of wealth from the most vulnerable in our communities directly into the pockets of billionaires.
I have first-hand experience of politicians putting the interests of powerful lobby groups ahead of the people they are supposed to represent. I am determined to fight back.
I work full time in supply chain management, alongside various gambling harm charities. I regularly help people who have been ignored to have their voices heard, whether this is in the media or in parliament.
This is what I want to do for the people of Denton South. For too long, our votes have been taken for granted by the Labour Party.
We proved recently that we will not be taken for granted any more.
Lord Febrezeo Quinnoa-Stakebake (Monster Raving Loony Party)
HELLLOOO! Lord Febrezeo here, a doff of my hat to you all.
I am standing to be your representative in the local elections in Denton South.
Many will agree, especially when you look at Westminster, that politics stinks!
Elected officials have become ‘nose-blind’ to many issues. It is time we freshened the place up.
So, as a local resident, I want to share what a member of the ONLY OFFICIAL Loony Party can do for the area.
My manicfesto is:
Oppose developers extending Bredbury Industrial Estate into Tame Valley by getting Green Belt land trained to Black Belt level. That will teach them to mess with it!
On Two Trees, we will install a giant ‘NO THANK YOU’ button. If enough people press it, proposals get rejected.
We will also hold a strictly binding referendum for all local cats on the matter, as they already act like they own the place.
We also pledge to fill every pothole with the broken promises of other parties and cut council waste with a specially designed pair of oversized scissors.
Ban local sales of pre-shredded cheese, to make Denton South Grate Again
And finally, introduce musical refuse trucks so you can make sure your bin is not missed!
Please remember, that the only wasted vote is the one that’s not used, so VOTE LOONY, you know it makes sense!