Here, in alphabetical order, the candidates for the Beacon and Bents ward make their pitch your for vote.
1. Fay Cunningham, Labour
Fay Cunningham (Labour Party) I'm so pleased to have been selected as the Labour Party candidate for Beacon and Bents. I was brought up and live in the ward, have a wealth of local government experience at both officer and councillor level and served as a Unison shop steward for many years. I am an active governor on two of our ‘outstanding’ schools, Hadrian and Marine Park and serve our community in the voluntary sector at Cancer Connections, Arts4Wellbeing and Mission to Seafarers and I am a volunteer at Arbeia Roman Fort. If elected I would pledge to: Be accessible to residents and act upon their concerns. Publish regular newsletters/use social media to keep residents informed. Be a loud and experienced voice in the council chamber at my allocated meetings. Continue to serve in our schools and voluntary sector. While others talk, Fay Cunningham will deliver. Photo: AN
2. Ali Hayder, Conservative Party
As your councillor I will stand up for your concerns. I have been campaigning in the local Beacon and Bents area for better road surfaces, recently we managed to get a number of potholes fixed. We also need to sort out the parking facilities, which are discouraging people from coming to our town centre, this is why I am campaigning for free parking in council-run car parks. I’m angered by (what I see as) the lack of care shown by the council for our North and South Marine Parks. I want to ensure the parks can continue to be enjoyed by everyone in our community. Photo: AN
3. Ahmed Khan, Independent
May 6 is your chance to send Labour a strong message that you want change by electing an independent councillor again. By voting for me you’ll elect someone with a proven record of working for you not against you, who’ll put your interest first, someone who’ll work tirelessly for you year-round and who will keep in regular contact through newsletters, street/ward surgeries and social media. I will robustly oppose and challenge Labour and will ensure your concerns and the issues that affect our ward are addressed, something I’ve previously done on numerous occasions when I proudly served as your independent Councillor from 2008-2012. For a local representative with a proven track record in Beacon and Bents which no other candidate has, and who is committed to listening to your views and acting upon them, I hope you will vote Ahmed Khan - Independent. Thank you and stay safe. Photo: AN
4. Sue Stonehouse, Green Party
Since 2019, when David Francis became the first Green councillor in Beacon and Bents, with a huge landslide (67% of the vote), I’ve worked hard alongside him and I have certainly tried to reach everyone, both in person and online, to learn more about what matters to you and take action for you. Many of you have told me that Greens are still the only ones seen across the ward all year round, working positively for our area. Others simply turn up at election time and expect your vote. This election is a clear choice between me and Labour. Other candidates can’t win here. Please consider supporting our continued efforts by voting for me to join David on the council on May 6. Together we can build the very best community for everyone. Photo: Sue Stonehouse, Green Party