Each one has been given the opportunity to tell readers why they’re running for a seat on the borough council and why people should vote for them.
Here’s what candidates standing in the Simonside and Rekendyke ward have to say.
Christopher Sanderson (Conservative)
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I’m Christopher Sanderson and I am standing for the Simonside and Rekendyke ward as I believe that the borough needs change; after years of Labour rule our council has become complacent and a real opposition and real scrutiny is needed.
We live in a society which depends on good public services and a government that responds to the wishes of the people.
This council and its representatives have provided neither for far too long.
This ward deserves a better quality of service and I believe I can provide it.
If elected, I would speak out about the council wasting money on vanity projects and insist that money is spent on things that actually make a difference for ordinary people; like fixing potholes, schools and social housing.
This ward deserves better than another three years of bad decisions made behind closed doors.
Vote for a shake-up this May, vote Conservative.
David Wood (Independent)
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1. Ed Malcolm (Labour Party)
I’m delighted to have been selected once again by the Labour Party to contest the Simonside and Rekendyke ward. I have been enormously proud to serve you as your councillor. I have always endeavoured to help people and to speak on their behalf – whether as a local trade union officer, a councillor or in my job ensuring cancer sufferers receive all the social security benefits that they are entitled to. I have been a strong voice for Simonside and Rekendyke in the council chamber, building up a reputation of getting things done, working together with my ward colleagues, for the benefit of the residents and the area we represent. Much has been done but there is still much to do. I look forward to receiving your support so that I can continue to serve you, your family and our local community. Vote Labour, vote Ed Malcolm on May 6. Photo: Ed Malcolm (Labour Party)
2. Kenneth Wood (Independent)
Hello my name is Kenneth Wood, I’m standing in the Simonside and Rekendyke ward as your official independent candidate. The reason I’m standing is like many residents in this ward and in South Tyneside are fed up with this Labour council who don’t listen to what residents want. Vote for Kenneth Wood and I will listen to your complaints, I will work with the residents for the residents and I will anwser all telephone calls and emails. I want to address the state of the pavements and roads in the ward, I’ve already had residents complaining about backlanes in Laygate and the problems with rats. This ward has one of the highest unemployment levels in the borough 9.6% and has been identified in research as a left behind neighbourhood. So ask yourselves, what have the current councillors been doing for the past four years. Vote Kenneth Wood for change. Photo: Kenneth Wood (Independent)
3. Sarah McKeown (Green Party)
I’m a mum-of-three and work as a teacher. I care passionately about our local community and will be a fresh, new voice for the people of Simonside and Rekendyke. We work all year round, reporting issues on behalf of residents, such as fly tipping, littering and poor road surfaces. I fully support the inspiring local campaign to save precious green space and the children’s play park at Holborn. This campaign is run by a group of residents who care passionately about protecting our green, open spaces and wildlife for their children, the wider community and generations to come. We must resist damaging decisions made by the current Labour councillors and offer something better. In 2019, Greens came second here, with 29.5% of the vote. Since then, more and more people tell us they will vote Green on May 6. Greens can win here. Better is possible. Photo: Sarah McKeown (Green Party)