CANDIDATES have been named for the upcoming Redditch Borough Council elections on May 7.
This year, a third of the seats are up for election and residents will choose one councillor for each ward.
A Labour Group spokesperson said: “We have a good track record of running Redditch Borough Council and delivering on our promises, running improved services and financial stability.
“It’s important to keep the council running with a safe pair of hands as we approach the re-organisation of Local Government.
“Don’t risk losing what has been achieved and what’s to come, by voting for others.”
Candidates hoping for re-election are Gary Slim for Central, Juma Begum for Greenlands and Lakeside, David Munro for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw and Paul Wren for Webheath and Callowhill.
Throwing their hat into the ring is Monica Fry for Astwood Bank and Feckenham, Mark Tomes for Batchley and Brockhill, Mark Harvey for Macthborough and Woodrow, Debbie Chance for North, and Jim Heaney for Winyates.
A spokesperson for the Conservatives said: “As we approach this crucial election, the choice for our town has never been clearer:
“Labour is failing at the Borough – under the current administration, we’ve seen a series of poor decisions on investment and a lack of clear vision for our town’s future. Redditch deserves better than just getting by.
“Reform is failing at the County – protest votes don’t pave roads or protect services.
“We need serious representatives, not empty rhetoric. Reform have let the state of our roads in Redditch spiral whilst cutting needed investment and hiking council tax.
“Only the Conservatives can be trusted.”
Hoping for re-election is Chris Holz for Astwood Bank and Feckenham.
Throwing their hat into the ring is Julian Grubb for Batchley and Brockhill, Alan Smith for Central, David Bowater for Greenlands and Lakeside, Kyle Wakefield for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw, Juliet Brunner for Matchborough and Woodrow, Karen Ashley for North, Finlay Heath for Webheath and Callow Hill, and Anita Clayton for Winyates.
Reform UK Councillors on the county council have stepped forward for the borough elections, they are Ashley Monk for Batchley and Brockhill, Susan Eacock for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw and former Conservative councillor and Mayor Roger Bennett for Astwood Bank and Feckenham.
Standing for the first time is James Aston for Winyates, Nic Pioli for North, Nikki Lloyd for Greenlands and Lakeside, David Meredith for Matchborough and Woodrow, Stephen Lloyd for Central and Simon Farmer for Webheath and Callow Hill.
Hoping to make gains is the Green Party, with their first councillor elected in 2024.
Coun Claire Davies is standing for re-election in Webheath and Callow Hill, Lisa King for Batchley and Brockhill, Tim Bradey for Central, Margot Bish for Greenlans and Lakeside, Ben Bradley for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw, Clare Beckhelling for Winyates, Kath Manning for Matchborough and Woodrow, Adam Price for North, Kevin White for Astwood Bank and Feckenham.
This year’s election was set to be cancelled, due to the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, but the Secretary of State withdrew his original decision to postpone.
