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 Dukinfield.
Michael Harrison (Green Party)
I AM standing in the local election to give the people of Dukinfield an opportunity to vote for positive change – that change is the Green Party.
While Manchester has become one of Europe’s fastest growing city economies, the boroughs of Greater Manchester are struggling to feel the benefits.
As a Tameside resident, I want to see our potential unlocked too, with towns that thrive, not just survive.
As your Councillor for Dukinfield, I will work tirelessly to help our town flourish, calling for investments that improve wellbeing and create a cleaner, greener community.
I will advocate with integrity, representing residents’ best interests, voicing concerns effectively to the council and I will champion community-led action, backing important local projects that bring people together and create lasting impact.
James Rhodes (Reform UK)
I WAS born at Tameside Hospital, raised in Dukinfield and still live locally, so this is not just where I am standing – it is my home.
I have been part of Reform UK Tameside since it was formed in 2024, and have always believed in showing up, helping out and standing by my word – traits that I promise to carry with me into public life.
After working locally at Morrisons, I retrained as an electrician and now run my own business, so I understand both the pressures on working people and the challenges facing small business in the area.
I am standing for Reform UK because I am tired of waste, weak leadership and the steady decline in standards.
I want to tackle crime, addiction and neglect, support opportunities for young people, and be a strong, honest voice for Dukinfield – asking difficult questions and putting the local residents first.
John Taylor (Labour)
I AM Dukinfield born and bred, have lived in the Tame Valley district for 55 years and as a Tameside councillor since 1984 have continually demonstrated his commitment to my hometown.
Over 42 years of service, I have been deeply involved in environmental issues such as cleaning up the River Tame, organising litter picks and planters to keep Dukinfield clean and tidy, plus supporting the Friends of Dukinfield Park.
I have a long interest in social matters and serve as Tameside Council’s executive member for adult social care. I am also a volunteer at a Tameside homeless shelter.
Although Dukinfield is mainly residential, I have always promoted employment, whether through the large industrial estate on edge of the town, or the recently announced development of the Pilgrim’s UK (Tulip Foods) site which promises to create many jobs.
If re-elected on May 7, I will continue to work with fellow Dukinfield councillors Jackie Lane and Naila Sharif to support resident and community groups.
I am also keen to see redevelopment of the frontage of our great town hall. The new look will further enhance a fine building which provides so many vital services for the people of Tameside.
Adam Wolstenholme (Conservative Party)
I AM a Dukinfield resident who has long had an interest in local and national politics and decided to stand for the Conservatives as I feel I can be a strong voice within the council, standing up for local residents and ensuring their issues are taken seriously and addressed.
I have a background in commercial finance, understand the mechanisms of a profitable business and believe these skills are transferable to a council where over the years the accounts and budgets have been poorly managed.
Outside of work I am a keen golfer and enjoy the theatre, as well as football.
The immediate focus should be on repairing our roads, tidying up the local area and having a strong focus on law and order especially anti-social behaviour.