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 Droylsden East.
Caroline England (Reform UK)
LIVING locally, with strong ties to Droylsden East, I know the area and the concerns of its residents well.
I have been involved in our local Reform branch from the beginning because I believe in common sense, civic pride and standing up for the values that built our communities.
As a retired secondary school teacher, I have spent years supporting young people across Greater Manchester, especially those needing SEND provision, and I know how important strong education and proper support are for families.
I also helped establish a property services company that worked with vulnerable teenagers and young adults, giving me a wider understanding of the pressures many people face.
I am standing for Reform UK because I want to bring experience, care and practical judgment to Droylsden East, stand firmly against the spread of HMOs across the area, and help deliver better outcomes for local residents after years of neglect.
James Lloyd (Liberal Democrats)
I MOVED to Tameside four years ago for work and have really enjoyed living and working here.
I am now standing to try and give something back to this area and to give the people of Droylsden East a strong liberal option to vote for on May 7 and to stand up to a council which all often takes its voters for granted.
Up and down the country, Liberal Democrats are standing up for local communities getting things done, from fighting water companies pumping sewage to bringing life back to our high streets.
My priorities are to try and do the same here, to improve and protect our green spaces and develop better cycling and walking infrastructure in Droylsden and across Tameside.
I will also focus on the regeneration of Droylsden town centre working to bring more life back into the far too many boarded up shops we see today.
Susan Quinn (Labour)
I am standing in the Droylsden East election because I believe the long-term plans that have been developed will transform our town and improve people’s lives. I do not believe in tribal politics; instead, I value working together for the good of our community. I am proud of the work I have carried out over the past 25 years and remain committed to continuing that service for local residents.
I connect with residents from backgrounds by participating in community meetings and neighbourhood groups, volunteering at the Tesco Foodbank, and helping with local celebrations like the Christmas lights switch-on. I listen to concerns, work alongside residents to tackle issues, and make sure their views are represented. Recent council funding has upgraded the town centre with improved seating, planting, and renovated railings.
If re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly for Droylsden East, supporting residents and ensuring these plans deliver lasting benefits
Tony Wilson (Your Party)
AS THE Your Party candidate for Droylsden East, in my hometown, I am a lifelong socialist and trade unionist.
I have been a UNISON national committee member for 16 years and led strike action recently as UNISON Branch Secretary of Greater Manchester against Andy Burnham, our political boss and gained improvements in pay, maternity pay and other improvements.
Labour has neglected Tameside.
There are boarded up shops, congestion problems and fly tipping problems in Droylsden centre.
Labour has sat there passing on Tory cuts in funding from central Government for too long.
I will be accountable to residents.
Archie Young (Green Party)
I HAVE lived in Tameside for the past two years and I am proud to call it home.
As a science tutor, I have worked with local children to support their learning, running free and low-cost workshops to make education more accessible.
I have also helped organise children’s litter picks, doing my bit to keep our area clean and build community spirit.
I had not originally planned to get into politics, but after being encouraged to step forward, I saw it as a chance to give something back to a community that has welcomed me so warmly.
After more than a decade supporting Labour, I became increasingly disillusioned with the lack of real change.
It began to feel like more of the same, both nationally and locally. I believe Tameside deserves better – new ideas, real action, and a genuine alternative.
That’s why I am standing, to be part of a strong Green team working together to deliver the change people are looking for and to make a real difference in our community.