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 Longdendale.
Francesca Coates (Labour)
I OFFER a unique skillset to the council.
As a business and legal affairs manager with more than 20 years’ experience across the public and private sectors, I ask challenging questions, get to the heart of problems, and focus on practical solutions.
As a mum, I also understand first-hand the pressures facing families, from childcare and education to safe streets and reliable local services.
Working closely with Jacqueline Owen, I am helping to find solutions to the Link Road issues, supporting Hollingworth businesses, and putting forward proposals to National Highways, including changing road closures from 7pm to 10pm.
I welcome funding for two-year-olds’ places at Broadbottom Primary, while working to address the knock-on impact on Broadbottom Community Centre and concerns around the Glossop tip closure.
Hattersley’s £20 million Pride in Place funding must be shaped by residents. I will push to establish a local committee quickly.
Residents deserve the basics done well: fixed potholes, reliable bin collections, and action on fly-tipping, and I will work to make these happen faster
Greg McNally (Reform UK)
AS A HUSBAND, father and long-term resident of the area with strong links across Mottram, Hollingworth, Broadbottom and Hattersley, I know the importance of strong representation for the people of Longdendale and the generations that come after us.
With a career built around public service: from seven years in the Army to more than 25 in the Fire Service – discipline, resilience, patriotism and a strong sense of duty are values deeply engrained.
With a passion for endurance sport and further study, I believe our young people should be given the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and develop practical life skills.
I’m standing for Reform UK because I believe our area needs a renewed emphasis on getting the basics right, common sense and accountable leadership.
Alongside Tameside’s first Reform Councillor, Allan Hopwood, I promise to build upon the work already delivered and put the people of Longdendale first.
Roy Miller (Conservative Party)
I AM the founder of a group of companies in Hyde that has operated since 1999, profitably and debt free.
This is clear evidence of my ability to understand and implement disciplined economic management.
In addition to my civilian career, I joined the Royal Navy Reserve rising through the ranks, promoted to Commander and appointed CO of HMS Eaglet
Mobilised on several military operations including Somalia 2008, Libya 2011, Gulf 2013, Gulf (again) 2016, Op Sophia (humanitarian) Mediterranean 2018 and finally 2020 I was mobilised by the UK Government to support the efforts to combat Covid-19, working for the United Kingdom Health Security Agency.
When my six-month military obligation came to an end, I was asked by the head of the UK testing programme to stay on as a consultant.
I was appointed into a Senior Civil Servant (SCS1) post as a deputy director. responsible for procurement, planning and logistics for the Covid-19 programme.
I managed two budgets – of £560 million and £400 million. As a result of my work, I was listed on the 2022 Queens New Year’s Military honours list.
Lucas North (Liberal Democrats)
No profile submitted
Luke Robinson (Green Party)
I AM standing to give the people of Longdendale the opportunity to vote for a Green candidate.
As a Green Councillor, I would work to progress Tameside’s climate change and environment strategy.
Given the dramatic increase in the cost of living, the obvious actions to pursue are firstly home insulation to lower energy bills, provide green jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Secondly, safe walking and cycling infrastructure and better and cheaper public transport.
This would reduce fuel costs for poorer residents as well as cut pollution. Green-led councils across the country are already working on these issues.
Greens are already winners in Tameside having recently won the Gorton and Denton by-election. We need more to continue challenging Labour on the environment and council tax bills.
I strongly believe in the positive values that immigration brings and the important benefits it offers to our country.