South Tyneside local elections: Who will get your vote in Biddick & All Saints?

Biddick & All Saints candidates Anne Walsh, left, and Peter Bristow. Not pictured: Craig Slater and Kenneth Taylor.

Here’s what candidates standing for the Biddick and All Saints ward in South Shields have to say as they chase votes.

Peter James Bristow (Green Party)

I was born and raised in South Shields and have lived most my life here.

I am frustrated by the lack of meaningful choice offered by the major parties and by the democratic deficit in one-party towns like Shields.

Vote Green to make a real difference in our town.

Craig Slater (Conservative Party) (no picture supplied)

This election is not about national government, but about who runs South Tyneside town hall.

Something must be done to save South Shields town centre.

Kenneth William Taylor (UKIP) (no picture supplied)

In the May 2015 general election UKIP came second behind the Labour Party, pushing the Conservatives into a distant third place.

UKIP thus became the official opposition in South Tyneside.

We are the clear second party in terms of the number of votes, but what needs to happen is for UKIP to start winning seats so Labour can be properly held to account within the Council Chamber.

For years now the number of people not voting Labour has exceeded those who do.

In April 2016, the entire South Shields Labour Party were suspended because of a culture of “bullying and intimidation”.

There is no better time for voters to rally behind the only candidate who has a chance of winning, your UKIP candidate.

Anne Josephine Walsh (Labour)

Since first being elected to represent the people of Biddick and All Saints, I am proud of what we have achieved.

Working with my ward colleagues, residents and partners, we’ve delivered decent homes, new parking bays to help alleviate parking problems, and numerous other social and environmental schemes.

I work for a local NHS Trust and serve as the chairwoman of Chuter Ede CA, as well as serving on several committees, including the Tyne and Wear Pensions Committee and the West Shields Community Area Forum.

The council are facing huge challenges with the Tory-imposed cuts but by being innovative, our Labour council are continuing to deliver excellent front line services.

With the support of local residents, I would like to continue representing the people of Biddick and All Saint, so I ask for your support on 5th May.