Meet the Primrose candidates for the South Tyneside Council local elections

Each one will be given the opportunity to tell readers why they are standing and why people should vote for them.

Today it is the turn of candidates in the Primrose ward.

LESLEY KAY HANSON (GREEN)

I’m proud to be standing for election in Primrose, Jarrow. The Green Party are involved in local issues all year around. Whether it is the hospital campaign, plastic campaign, local library closures, homelessness, benefits, green spaces or cutting down trees, we are working all year round to be a voice for local people on these issues and many others. By electing a Green councillor you would be ensuring a more democratic council instead of a unanimous Labour voice. It’s time to inject new strategies because we know South Tyneside deserves better. Please, lend us your vote. Vote Green!

JONATHAN WILLIAM LUNNESS (CONSERVATIVE)

For too long the voters of South Tyneside have been taken for granted. Under the current council, Primrose residents aren’t getting a fair deal. In South Tyneside, Labour has raised our council tax by 4.95%, introduced a new green bin tax and left our roads and pavements in a constant state of disrepair. We deserve better and that’s why we need change. We need a councillor in Primrose who will fight against these changes, standing up for our area and community. That’s why I’m asking for your vote on 3rd May.

MOIRA SMITH (LABOUR)

I’m honoured to be reselected as the Labour candidate for the Primrose Ward in Jarrow. I’m a school governor of the Mosaic Federation, which comprises Valley View and Hedworthfield Primary Schools.I have been a member of South Tyneside Council’s cabinet for the past four years. From 2014 – 2016 I was lead member for Public Health & Wellbeing and 2016 – present day I’m lead member for Area Management and Community Safety.Working closely with my two Labour colleagues, we have used the community area funding for various schemes which residents have asked for.

Chris Binding, Local Democracy Reporter