Hartlepool council elections 2024: Candidates have their say

As council elections loom, Hartlepool's candidates have been put under the spotlight ahead of polling day.

On Thursday, May 2, voters will head to the polls to decide who should represent them on Hartlepool Council, with one seat available in each of the area's 12 wards. All candidates have been given the chance to explain why they're standing and why you should cast your vote for them.

Here's a breakdown of what the Fens and Greatham, Burn Valley and De Bruce candidates have to say.

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Candidates for each ward are listed in the order they appeared on Hartlepool Borough Council's list of candidates at the close of nominations.

Fens and Greatham ward candidates

Jim Lindridge (Independent)

"For the last 10 years, I have proudly served as your councillor covering Fens, Rossmere & Greatham - and I'm hoping to seek your support again.

"I'm proud to have lived on the Fens for 45+ years and I have a strong passion for improving our area. I've been in touch with thousands of residents over the years - and I'm delighted to have actively championed numerous improvements across our ward.

"I have a proven record and, if re-elected, you have my word I will continue to speak up on your behalf to tackle the issues that matter most to you. I always find time to listen to concerns affecting our community and respond in a timely manner.

"Speeding, parking, littering, crime and anti-social behaviour (including quad bikes), maintenance of green spaces, and pavement/road re-surfacing are all priorities for our area. I remain fully committed to addressing these concerns."

Marc Owens (Local Conservatives)

"As a trustee and director of a local animal welfare charity, I have been pleased to see our Conservative councillors, Member of Parliament, and Tees Valley Mayor show, through their actions, how much they care about our local communities in Fens & Greatham and across Hartlepool.

"In January 2024, I was thrilled to see an extra £50 million committed for improvements to the A689 trunk road, a vital link through Fens & Greatham ward. This is just one example of the direct impact our elected representatives are having in our area. However, there is still more work to be done.

"If elected on 2nd May, I will work to ensure investment and spending decisions are made responsibly; I will work with local residents to direct investment where it is needed most; and I will ensure our council-own greenspaces are protected for all of us to enjoy."

Tony Richardson (Independent)

No statement or picture provided

Owen Riddle (Labour and Co-operative Party)

"My name is Owen Riddle and I work for our NHS. In my professional life I work every day to secure the best services for patients in tough economic times. It's this expertise that I want to bring to our council.

"The messy coalition of Conservatives and independents in Hartlepool have increased taxes and cut services. We have to stand up and say enough is enough. Our town deserves better.

"Hartlepool has a bright future if we can secure a council focused on what local residents tell us they need and want; clean streets, safe neighbourhoods and a strong local economy.

"That's what I'll fight for on behalf of the people of the Fens and Greatham ward.

"Labour has changed and is ready to serve Hartlepool. You can find our local manifesto here: www.hartlepoollabourplan.co.uk."

Peter Tylee (Reform UK)

"I am Peter Tylee, Reform UK candidate for Fens and Greatham ward. Over the past few weeks, I have been talking to people across the ward, listening carefully to the various concerns. Many qualified their remarks citing high council tax and additional fees and charges.

"Most of the concerns will be listed by my fellow candidates, as they apply in varying degrees across the borough, so I will not list them here.

"Suffice to say that in keeping with Reform UK policy and practice I will always be interested in listening to residents about their legitimate concerns and then will do my best tosecure satisfactory outcomes by representing their issues to the council.

"It is vital that we maintain our democracy. This requires participation in elections, the development of truly representative government at all levels and responsiveness by government to the people. Vote for me, vote for Reform."

Burn Valley candidates

Graham Harrison (Reform UK)

"I was born and raised in the Burn Valley ward. Over the past 15 years, I have been dedicated to serving our residents through my work at Yodel, walking the streets 6 days a week all year round. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and issues faced by our community.

"I am committed to being a strong advocate for all residents at the council. I will hold regular surgeries to address community concerns - Implement cost-cutting measures by reducing non-essential spending - Take action to stop anti-social behaviour in the burn valley ward."

John Hays (Independent)

"I'm standing because residents are coming to me, because I go to the residents' meetings, and they're bringing these issues up and they said did I fancy standing, and I'm happy to be a candidate to speak for the people.

"If I do get in, I want to do it free, I won't be taking any councillor allowance.

"I keep our backstreet nice and tidy, if there is any rubbish I put it in the bins. If we could fight to get the skip open, so you don't need an appointment, the rest of the town would be tidier.

"I'm very passionate about allotments, I'm part of the National Allotment Society, I want to get allotments sorted out. Something needs to be done, because there are a lot of allotments in this town which are derelict.

"I'd love to get elected, I really would. I'd be over the moon."

Corinne Male (Labour and Co-operative Party)

"Public service has been my life's work, as a teacher, parish councillor, school governor and community leader. Now, I would like to continue this work as your Burn Valley councillor.

"I'm committed to our community and to serving Hartlepool people, which is why, as a retired person, I use my time fundraising for food banks and community kitchens.

"I'm sick and tired of seeing the damage done by the alliance of Conservative and independent councillors, which has resulted in higher taxes, reduced services and increased poverty.

"Above all, I am a fighter and I can't wait to join our fantastic Labour team so that I can fight for you to reverse these years of Tory decline and create a better future for our town.

"Labour has changed and is ready to serve Hartlepool. You can find our local manifesto here: www.hartlepoollabourplan.co.uk."

David Nicholson (Local Conservatives)
"I have served Burn Valley since 2021 and been committed to making residents lives as positive as they can be.

"Working with my council colleagues we are making a huge difference in the town and we are fighting hard to keep going for the benefit of all.

"You can't help but see the works that are happening to regenerate the centre of town and my promise should you elect me in May is to deliver better services.

"I am committed to tackling anti-Social behaviour and commend the work of Cleveland Police who have adopted a zero tolerance policy on the misuse of trial and quad bikes.

"Please vote for David Nicholson on May 2nd for continued delivery. Don't risk it with Labour."

De Bruce ward candidates

Ian Glass (Local Conservatives)

"I was born and raised in the De Bruce ward and it's still my home today. I believe that my local knowledge and passion for this community and my experiences in health, fitness and business makes me the best candidate.

"The sense of community we had while growing up here was remarkable, and it's something I feel is lacking now. I'm determined to bring that community spirit back.

"I want to see investment brought to the area, this will bring opportunity for local people I believe in contributing to positive change and addressing the needs and concerns of fellow residents.

"By becoming a councillor, I aim to advocate for the betterment of our community, promote inclusivity, and work towards creating a more vibrant and prosperous local environment for all.

"I care about the place I call home and my people in the ward and I want to make change."

Michael Jorgeson (Labour and Co-operative Party)

"Hello, I'm Michael Jorgeson. With over 30 years of volunteering in the town and a background in the motor trade, including 28 years at Nissan Sunderland, I bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to public service.

"Since retiring in 2018, I've had more time to dive into local projects, tutoring budding mechanics in High Tunstall school, training new scuba divers through Hartlepool Diving Club, and playing a part on the Headland's parish council.

"My involvement in roles like being a karate instructor and helping out in local schools speaks to my love for supporting our community.

"I'm now hoping you will please support me in taking the next step to serve as a borough councillor for our De Bruce ward.
"Labour has changed and is ready to serve Hartlepool. You can find our local manifesto here: www.hartlepoollabourplan.co.uk."

Trevor Rogan (Reform UK)

"My name is Trevor Rogan. I was born, schooled and worked all my life in Hartlepool and have extensive knowledge of the town.

"I have served in H.M. Forces in the UK, B.A.O.R and Canada, and have several tours in Northern Ireland. I am the President of the R.A.S.C R.C.T association.

"Hartlepool has been let down for too long. Our council tax is high, Hartlepool still doesn't have an A&E in operation and our magistrates court is closed.

"We need a reliable police presence in the town to tackle anti-social behaviour and deal with the litter in our town.

"De Bruce has a great opportunity in this election to elect a Reform councillor and I hope that if you desire real change in the town, you will consider voting for me on May 2nd."