'We want your vote' - Candidates in crunch Harton by-election make case to be South Tyneside councillors

Harton voters are back to the ballot box next week to decide who should represent them in South Tyneside Council. Seven candidates are battling to represent the South Shields ward, with Labour, Reform, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and two independents all on the ballot.

The Gazette invited every candidate to explain why residents should trust them with their vote and what they would deliver for Harton. All but one responded.

The costly by-election was triggered by the controversial resignation of Reform UK councillor Alex Clarke just weeks into the role and is the first real test of public opinion since Reform swept to power in May's local elections.

This is their chance to make their case - and your chance to decide who deserves to speak for you in the corridors of power.

(Candidate statements listed in order they appear on the council's website)

Phil Brown - Independent

Hope not hate is my message, unfortunately we are living in socially divisive times.

Conversely I have run a Peace Group for the last two years. As a Former T.A. Major I believe we will imminently have to spend to defend our communities.

I was a ward councillor 2024-2026 in Horsley Hill and Westoe Crown. I held weekly surgeries. I promoted positive community relations.

I am a former magistrate (JP) and I ran a concurrent neighbourhood watch scheme to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and support residents and their rising concerns.

My roots belong to the Harton mining community.

I was critically ill at four weeks of age (SSGH). I later trained as an RGN at Harton Hospital. I represented children's interests nationally for the Nurses Council.

I fought to the High Court to save our existing children's A & E services. I am equally concerned about the future of our Stanley Nurseries.

Katie Groom - Reform UK

No candidate statement or picture was provided.

Sam Hill - Conservative Party

My family have lived in Harton for generations and I’m no different. I went to school here at what is now Harton Academy.

Businesses and services I use everyday are in the Harton ward. I understand this area and the problems we face.

We should work to protect our thriving Harton Nook businesses and the picturesque Harton Village from bad decision-making at the town hall and from rising levels of anti-social behaviour.

A vote for me is a vote for someone committed to the hard work needed to make improvements in Harton at local government level.

My previous work for an MP means I’ve experienced some difficult casework and worked towards resolving it.

I promise to be accessible and focused on your local priorities, not party squabbling or national issues.

Harton is a great place to live and I want to help to keep it that way. Please lend me your vote on August 6.

Kathryn Kaupa - Green Party

Green Party by-election candidate Kathryn Kaupa is asking Harton residents to back her as a positive alternative when they vote on Thursday August 6.

A local grafter who works in education, with vast experience in youth work, volunteering and safeguarding, Kathryn is standing to give Harton a hardworking community champion.

Her focus is on issues residents have told her matter most, including cleaner streets, safer communities, protecting local services and jobs, including those at STANLEY’s Nurseries, under threat of closure.

The Green Party was the only party, other than Reform, to increase its number of councillors at this May’s local elections, becoming South Tyneside’s official opposition after voters overwhelmingly rejected Labour and the independents. Every vote here will count.

Harton residents have a clear choice between chaos and division from Reform, or Kathryn Kaupa, a local champion backed by a trusted Green team with a proven track record of results.

Neil Maxwell - Labour and Co-operative Party

I was born in Harton, grew up and went to school here. I’m proud of my roots and still live with my family in Marsden.

Many residents tell me they feel let down by the resignation of their Reform councillor, who had only been elected in May.

This by-election will cost up to £20,000, monies which could have been better spent on public services. I’m standing because I believe Harton deserves a councillor who is committed, listens, works hard and delivers for local people.

My priorities are protecting local services like our valued Stanley nurseries, supporting local shops and businesses and tackling anti-social behaviour, preventing car parking charges being introduced at the Nook, improving our streets and green spaces and ensuring every resident has a strong voice.

I’ll always be visible, accessible and accountable and I would be honoured to earn the trust of Harton residents on Thursday August 6- because Harton really does deserve better.

Karen Myers - Independent

A Proven Independent Voice for Harton.

Hello, I’m Karen Louise Myers.

Since May 2024, I have had the privilege of serving as your independent councillor for Harton.

As an independent, I answer only to the people of Harton, not a political party. I listen to residents and always put Harton first.

I have fought for better public services, cleaner streets, protection of our Green Belt, cleaner seas, support for WASPI Women, more police, tougher action on crime for antisocial behaviour and the misuse of e-bikes, and backed the campaign to save Harton Hall Cottages.

I also voted against the latest council tax increase because residents deserve better value and improved services.

At the last election, I was the strongest non-Reform candidate, finishing fourth. Together, we can build a stronger independent voice for Harton.

On polling day, I respectfully ask for your vote.

Vote Karen Louise Myers – An Independent Voice for Harton.

Mark Robson - Liberal Democrats

The people of Harton need a strong representative in the council chamber.

Sadly the previous Reform councillor let people down.

The Liberal Democrats believe in localism and community action. I want to make sure that the council responds to local needs.

A crucial role for local councils is to ensure high quality childcare facilities and we support the campaign to keep the STANLEY’s open.

My nephew went to one and was helped a lot by the fantastic staff, so I've signed the petition. The council needs to confirm ongoing funding soon and not leave staff and parents in limbo.

We need to push ahead with the switch to renewable energy, to give us control over our energy supply, reduce harmful emissions and reduce everyone’s future fuel bills. It is also generating many well-paid jobs!

We need a stronger and more visible police presence to deal with antisocial behaviours and fly-tipping.