Plymouth City Council St Budeaux local elections candidates

Voters in Plymouth go to the polls in the May local elections for Plymouth City Council. Here are the candidates for the St Budeaux ward - and why they say you should vote for them.

ST BUDEAUX

RICH BENNETT - REFORM UK

No candidate profile submitted

TERRY DEANS - INDEPENDENT

St Budeaux, like Plymouth, has been grossly neglected by central government cuts for years and is crying out for significant improvement in so many aspects of our lives here.

I have lived in Plymouth for 46 years, the last 27 of those in St Budeaux. An ex-Royal Navy Falklands War veteran, my St Budeaux-based gardening business has thrived for almost 20 years because I take pride in my work, am respectful to all, I listen and take heed of what people say to me.

I aim to bring those qualities to the people of St Budeaux because, like my day job, I care about people and the quality of their lives.

As an Independent Councillor, I will take out the party politics and division which that brings in our community to focus on and maximise the representation the people deserve. Over 70% of people in this ward see nothing to vote for at local elections other than the same old battles between the same faces. That is a shocking reflection of people's impressions of local politics.

I will bring unity and provide people with an unbiased, realistic and high-quality Councillor option for everyone in St Budeaux.

STEPHEN GOLDTHORP - LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

I was born in Milton Keynes and grew up in North Cambridgeshire in the Fens before moving to Plymouth to attend University where I studied and gained a degree in Geography with Geology and then completed a graduate diploma in Law. I’ve spent most of my working life in working fulltime retail and was a key worker in the pandemic. I have in the past completed several of the Plymouth Half Marathons, and raised money for local charities like St. Lukes Hospice. I have been previously active in local politics, standing in local elections and supporting candidates with campaigning.

Outside of politics I enjoy geeky and nerdy pursuits including gaming, cosplaying at Devcon, and wide range of interests from music and the arts to history, geography and the sciences. My motivation for local politics this year is my dismay at the local Conservative’s pressing on with the cutting down of the trees in the city centre under the cover of darkness and behind solid boards despite prominent local voices speaking out against such actions.

I think the city needs better access to NHS dentists, more housing provision and I would like to see Plymouth build on its strengths from its maritime industries, University and Creative Arts such as its world class theatre as well as encouraging more manufacturing jobs to the area.

KYLE LEWIS - CONSERVATIVES

I’m standing in St Budeaux ward where I have lived for over 15 years and where we have brought up our two daughters; I know the issues local people face, they’re my issues too. If given the chance to represent St Budeaux I will be an active and most importantly accessible councillor, working for and alongside residents and local businesses. I love the sense of community in St Budeaux, Barne Barton and Kings Tamerton and I’ll do all I can to help this grow. I’d look forward to continuing the excellent work of Councillor Pat Patel and working closely with our brilliant MP Johnny Mercer.

JOSH MCCARTY - LABOUR

Josh McCarty is the Labour and Co-operative candidate for St Budeax. Born and raised in Plymouth Josh gained a degree in Marine Science and a Masters in English from Plymouth University. His passion for the environment, oceans and communications have seen him work with the Herald, National Marine Aquarium, small scale fishing fleets, charities and NGOs and as part of the design partnership for the National Marine Park.

“As a dad of young children I’m passionate about our city and the opportunities it has given me,” said Josh. “I am driven to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities I did, but things are tough. Before the Tories came to power in 2010 Plymouth got £120 million settlement from government, in 2023, we got just £11 million.

The city has to fight for money now, to fix potholes, for buses and all the many other things that matter to us. “I’m proud to see the Labour Council roll out a cost-of-living plan to help support those who need help in these difficult times and the work to create a serious plan to get Plymouth building again and the homes we need.

“Thank you to everyone who has made time to chat and share what’s on your minds. It would be my honour to serve the community.”

LAURIE MOORE - TUSC

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition is committed to resisting cuts and closures at all costs. None of the mainstream political parties offer a solution to deteriorating working conditions and stagnating pay, and over a decade of Tory rule has seen our public services eroded with real-terms pay cuts for council staff and the invasion of the private sector in what should be publicly run services.

Sunak’s government is dysfunctional, and Starmer is no alternative. TUSC will not make the poor foot the bill for a crisis not of our making, and we will not throw our communities under the bus. We want to protect our cherished public institutions like our libraries and community spaces.

A vote for TUSC is a vote for dignity, self-respect and in favour of keeping our services in our own hands. Vote TUSC on the 2nd May!

GEORGE WHEELER - GREEN PARTY

I have lived in St Budeaux for 22 years and been a councillor for most of that time, so know how to get things done for residents. I successfully put pressure on the Labour council to get their act together for Barne Barton, Kings Tamerton, Saltash Passage and St Budeaux. After years of campaigning, new public toilets will finally be built on the Square. I was the only candidate to deliver a regular newsletter to all residents in our area all year round, keeping them informed.

Unlike candidates from other parties, I’m not told how to vote by my party, so I’m free to be a strong voice for our local area. If elected, I would hold the Labour council to account and make ensure residents have a greater say on housing and development in our area and to save and improve youth services and play parks.

The Conservatives came third in St Budeaux last year and are trailing behind in the polls. I came second, so voters have a clear choice between me or yet another Labour councillor here.