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 Godley.
Betty Affleck (Labour and Co-Operative Party)
No profile submitted
Mark Beese (Reform UK)
I AM a long-term Hyde resident, a happily married father and someone with a deep commitment to family life and public service.
With more than 20 years’ frontline experience as a police officer, care worker, registered social worker and youth justice officer, I have seen first-hand where services are failing local people and how poor leadership affects both staff and residents.
That is why I am standing for Reform UK – to help improve Tameside’s failing adult and children’s services and push for higher standards across the board.
Alongside my public sector work, I have spent more than a decade running my own business as a mechanic, so I understand the pressures facing small businesses and what local enterprise needs to thrive.
I care deeply about opposing development on Godley Green as well as creating more opportunities for our young people.
I came into politics out of duty, not ambition and I want to bring experience, honesty and real-world insight to Hyde Godley.
John Bradley (Green Party)
I HAVE lived in Tameside for most of my life and have always worked locally, within retail, transport and travel.
I decided to stand as candidate for Hyde Godley to ensure the option to vote for a local, Green candidate. If you want Green, vote Green!
I am frequently seen litter picking along with my children.
The Green Party prioritises striving for a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live.
I appreciate the need to encourage safe alternatives to car travel by encouraging those who can, to walk, cycle and to travel using affordable, reliable public transport.
I support local campaigns to save Tameside’s countryside and oppose plans to replace fields with tarmac, increasing the risk of flooding.
Bulldozing the green belt when levels of rainfall are increasing is a strategy for disaster.
Our green belt and other green spaces are essential for the health and wellbeing of people too.
Faisal Kabir Nixon (Workers Party of Britain)
FAISAL Kabir Nixon is a dedicated community leader and candidate for Hyde Godley Ward, representing the Workers Party of Britain.
With a professional background in education, he has long been committed to empowering young people and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
As Chairman of the Greater Manchester Chattogram Association, Faisal has worked tirelessly to unite communities, support families and strengthen social bonds through meaningful local action.
He is also deeply aware of residents’ concerns over ongoing road works, congestion, and infrastructure delays affecting daily life.
If elected, Faisal will push for better planning, transparency, and timely completion of road projects to reduce disruption.
His priorities include safer neighbourhoods, improved local services, youth engagement, and stronger support for small businesses.
Determined, approachable, and community-driven, Faisal Kabir Nixon is committed to building a more inclusive, connected, and thriving Hyde Godley for all.
Callum Percival (Conservative Party)
I HAVE lived in the Hyde Godley ward for many years and work locally in Stalybridge, so this community means a great deal to me.
I know the potential we have here – but too often, it feels overlooked. I want to help unlock it, improve everyday life and restore a sense of pride in our area.
I care deeply about protecting our green belt, which remains under threat after Labour councillors backed building on it.
Residents deserve better than decisions that do not reflect what the community wants.
While some candidates have only recently appeared ahead of the election, Conservative candidates have been working hard year-round, listening to residents, raising concerns, and standing up for Hyde Godley.
With May 7 approaching, there is a real opportunity for change.
We have a clear, practical plan – protect green spaces, focus on essential services, and help our community move forward with confidence.