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 Hyde Werneth.
Shibley Alam (Labour)
THESE streets shaped me, taught me the meaning of community and inspired me to give back.
Long before I became a councillor, I worked with children and families at local schools, supported cultural and community groups and helped people facing real challenges.
For nearly seven years as your councillor, I have walked every corner of Hyde Werneth, listened to residents and stood up for fairness, resilience, green spaces and the organisations that hold our community together.
On Thursday, May 7, I ask for your vote, so I can keep working hard for people of Hyde Werneth.
Andy Furnival (Conservative Party)
I AM standing to represent Hyde Werneth with a clear focus on safer streets, stronger communities, and protecting the character of our area.
I bring the ability to solve complex problems, manage resources responsibly and hold the council to account.
My priorities are practical and visible. Cleaner streets, tackling litter and fly tipping, maintaining gullies to prevent flooding and improving road safety by addressing speeding and unsafe roads.
I want to see targeted action on anti-social behaviour through smarter use of CCTV, alongside road repairs done properly the first time.
I am committed to backing local businesses, improving access to skills and apprenticeships and ensuring council tax is spent with discipline, where it makes a real difference.
I strongly believe we should prioritise brownfield land for new homes and protecting Hyde’s green spaces for future generations.
My approach is simple – be present, be accountable and deliver real improvements for residents.
Abdullah Imran (Independent)
No profile submitted
Chris Parr (Green Party)
I AM standing to give the people of Hyde Werneth the opportunity to vote for a Green candidate.
I am proud to stand representing a party that believes in hope not division and is working to build a fairer and greener world.
If elected, that is what I’ll be championing by pushing for practical steps such as improving home insulation to combat rising energy costs and Improving public transport and safer walking and cycling routes to reduce dependency on cars and increase options for those who cannot or do not want to drive.
The recent Gorton and Denton by-election has shown that a vote for the Green Party is not just a protest against the mismanagement of Labour and the Tories, but a real chance to push for positive change.
Christopher Stones (Reform UK)
I AM a proud resident of Hyde Werneth with strong family roots in Hyde and I care deeply about the area and the people who live here.
Self-employed since the age of 16, with a background in corporate security, I have built my life on responsibility, discipline and hard work.
I am standing for Reform UK because I believe public service should be grounded in common sense, accountability and getting the basics right.
For me, that means sensible traffic management, tackling potholes, dealing properly with fly-tipping, improving the local environment and standing up against anti-social behaviour.
I also believe strongly in creating more opportunities for young people through sport and recreation, helping them build confidence, discipline and life skills.
I came into politics because I had grown tired of being politically homeless and wanted to do something positive for my community.
I want to give back to Hyde Werneth and help bring pride back to the area.