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 Stalybridge South.
Jenny Ardron-Adams (Reform UK)
HAVING grown up in Dukinfield and resided in Stalybridge for more than 20 years, I understand the needs of local residents and families.
As a married mother of four, I care deeply about the kind of area we are leaving to the next generation.
Through my work in sales and customer service, I have always believed in reliability, communication and getting the basics right.
That is exactly why I am standing as your local candidate for Reform UK.
I want to restore civic pride by pushing for cleaner streets, regular bin collections and properly maintained roads.
I also oppose the local blight of HMOs and overdevelopment – our services and infrastructure are already overstretched.
I am also deeply concerned about crime, anti-social behaviour and the loss of opportunities for young people.
I vow to protect our countryside, stand against fly-tipping, and be a strong local voice for Stalybridge South.
Liam Billington (Conservative Party)
AS YOUR local councillor, I take pride in responding quickly to concerns, such as fixing potholes, missed bin collections, blocked drains, planning issues, fly tipping, housing and school places.
I do not point at things, I just get them done.
I was sick of fly tipping on Grove Road, but for years the council never issued a single prosecution. It was the Conservatives that brought this to light and we pushed for the council to prosecute to act as a deterrent to bring down fly tipping. Now prosecutions are up and fly tipping is down.
Unlike most councillors in the chamber, I actually scrutinise and hold the council accountable and managed to deliver results in a Labour heavy council including:
Calling for free parking to support local businesses – delivered
Demanding an Article Four Directive to stop HMOs – delivered
Stopping development on Sidebottom Fold and Matley Lane – delivered
Making the case for more funding to regenerate Stalybridge – delivered and more in progress
And if you re-elect me, I promise to do more.
My priorities include creating jobs, regenerating town centres, reopening the market hall, protecting our green belt, tackling anti-social behaviour and more street cleaning and tree planting.
I have a track record of delivery, so please re-elect me to continue serving you in Stalybridge South on May 7.
Amanda Hickling (Green Party)
I AM the membership secretary of Denton Artistic Swimming Club and a former governor at Copley High School – as well as running my own sewing business.
I am standing as a candidate because I believe Green politics can change our lives for the better.
I am very passionate about children’s welfare. I want to help change the terrible situation in Tameside, where children are being failed every day.
I have recently become involved in the Mossley Energy Co-operative, an organisation whose main aim is to support the community of Mossley with the transition to renewable energy provision.
And I am committed to alternatives to building on our precious green spaces. Looking to tackle the housing crisis through using empty properties, providing better, safer management of properties and better regulation of developments.
David McAllister (Labour and Co-Operative Party)
I HAVE lived in Tameside since 2000 with my wife and children. I have worked for the NHS for 25 years as a healthcare assistant and am also a Unison steward and branch secretary, where I support our members with their work issues and deal with management at local and regional level.
I want to use my experience from the NHS and as a Unison steward to support the electorate of Stalybridge South if I am elected as your councillor.
I will work with all communities within Stalybridge South to represent their concerns and champion their causes rather than try to divide them with false information and gimmicks.
I thank you in advance for your support.
Mike Molloy (Independent)
No profile submitted
Ian Sharkett (Liberal Democrats)
I HAVE lived in Stalybridge for more than 60 years and care deeply about our town and its future.
Growing up here when it was a thriving mill town, I experienced the strong sense of community and successful local businesses that made Stalybridge special.
Public service runs in my family. My father was a Liberal councillor and a well-known local businessman, many may remember the Walk Round Store. I am proud to follow in his footsteps and give something back.
I believe being a councillor is about putting local people first, supporting residents, strengthening local businesses, and improving our town.
Stalybridge is in a period of revival and I want to help it thrive again.
As a Liberal Democrat, I am committed to building a fair, strong, and community focused future.
Jane Valentine (Independent)
JANE is an independent candidate standing in Stalybridge South, offering a community-focused alternative to party politics.
With a long-standing track record of working at the heart of the local community, she has supported families, young people and older residents through a range of grassroots initiatives.
Her decision to stand comes from a belief that many residents feel unheard and that local issues deserve greater attention and accountability.
Drawing on her direct experience within the community, she aims to represent the everyday concerns of local people.
Priorities include improving neighbourhood standards, supporting families and ensuring residents have a stronger voice in local decision making.
She has committed to being visible, approachable and responsive to those she represents.
Positioning herself outside of traditional party structures, she is standing to provide an independent voice focused solely on Stalybridge South – placing the interests of residents at the centre of her work.