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 Mossley.
Simon Irving (Green Party)
I MOVED to Mossley in 2021 after spending most of my adult life in London, inspired by two good friends who had made the move ‘back up north’ a couple of years earlier.
I fell in love with Mossley on my first visit and it didn’t take long before I was looking for a home here.
I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a special place. From the stunning views to its rich history and thriving community of musicians, artists and creators, Mossley has a unique character that is hard to find anywhere else.
The shift from inner-city London life has been a real (and very welcome) culture change.
In recent years, hearing voices like Gary Stevenson and Zack Polanski speak about wealth inequality has strengthened my belief that we need a fairer system.
I’m standing because I care deeply about fairness, community, and protecting what makes places like Mossley so special.
I would love the opportunity to work alongside local residents to support our community and help Mossley be the very best it can be.
Daniel Percival (Conservative Party)
I AM standing as your local candidate because I care deeply about Mossley and the community.
This is not just politics for me – it is about keeping Mossley a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
I’ve always valued our green spaces. They are where families gather, friends meet, and people find a moment to relax.
I am committed to protecting and improving them so everyone can enjoy them, now and for the future.
But this campaign is about people, too. I want your voice to be heard, your concerns taken seriously, and those in power, including Labour, held accountable.
I will represent Mossley with honesty, dedication and a genuine commitment to the things that matter most to the community.
Gary Roylance (Reform UK)
I AM a proud Mossley resident with family roots in the area going back generations, and as a family man and recent grandfather, I care deeply about the future of our town.
With over 20 years’ experience as a regional contracts manager and estimator in the insurance sector, I have first-hand understanding of responsible management, planning and development.
I am standing as your local Reform UK candidate I promise to protect what makes our town special. No longer allowing it to be eroded by poor decision making and the repeating cycle of overdevelopment.
I want to preserve Mossley’s green spaces, oppose HMOs, and make sure that planning reflects the interests of residents – preserving the character of the area for future generations.
Having given more than 40 years to local brass bands and having served as a church warden, I know the value of service, tradition and community life and promise to be a principled, dependable voice for Mossley.
Tafheen Sharif (Labour)
IT HAS been an honour to serve Mossley since 2016. I am a mum of four, Willow Wood patron, trustee of Home-Start-HOST and a proud member of our Mossley community.
I have worked tirelessly supporting local groups and am a strong, hardworking and reliable voice for residents.
My achievements include securing a lease for Mossley Community Centre, protecting vital green spaces such as Cosgrove Gardens, fighting Brookfields with a Woodland Protection Order and challenging unsuitable developments on Hanover Street, Andrew Street, Stamford Road and Woodend View.
I continue to support residents on Hey Farm, backed Article Four rules strengthening oversight of HMOs, implemented two hours free parking, improvements to parks, public spaces and street furniture, and helped launch our award-winning Mossley Farmers Market.
I will continue supporting residents and community groups, protecting Mossley’s character and growing a vibrant cultural offer for everyone locally.
I am proud to stand again for Mossley.