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 West.
Shoaib Akhtar (Conservative Party)
No profile submitted
Dan Bennett (Reform UK)
I AM a lifelong resident of Denton West and a proud supporter of Denton West Cricket Club.
I care deeply about the community I have always called home.
As an NHS worker and IT professional, I understand both the pressures on public services and the need for councils to work more efficiently, cut waste and make better use of taxpayers’ money.
I am standing for Reform UK because I believe local people deserve higher standards, common sense decision-making and representatives who will put residents first.
I want to see Tameside’s outdated infrastructure modernised where it needs to be, without losing sight of the basics that matter most.
That means protecting Denton’s green spaces, standing firmly against overdevelopment, and making sure the character of our area is preserved for future generations.
I will be a reliable local voice for Denton West and help deliver better services after years of decline.
Tony Tibbenham (Green Party)
I HAVE supported the Green Party for decades, though only recently become active within Tameside helping my friends, family and neighbours resist divisive alternatives.
Work brought me to Denton, with my family, about five years ago.
I love the area, so decided to retire here – to a friendly town with good transport links and enough countryside that we can still breathe.
I want to improve our NHS, protect our open spaces and improve public transport options.
Denton is our home and I am keen to protect and promote all it’s wonderful diversity.
Brenda Warrington (Labour)
I AM pleased to have been asked to stand, once again, as the Labour Party candidate in Denton West.
I was first elected in 2002 and have been privileged to get to know many residents of all generations over the past 24 years.
Together with my ward colleagues, I remain committed to providing the best possible representation to residents whatever the issue may be.
I have gained considerable experience and expertise in many areas over the years and will always put my knowledge to best use for the benefit of residents in order to address the issues that matter most to people.
The tremendous sense of community, together with an abundance of willing volunteers working within a wide variance of community groups, helps to make Denton West a special place to live, with something for everyone.
I am pleased to support all the community groups to help maintain ongoing success, and I feel privileged to do so.
Please cast your vote for Brenda Warrington on May 7.