Meet the five candidates hoping to become councillor in Pelsall
A new councillor for the Pelsall ward in Walsall will be chosen in an upcoming by-election on Thursday, September 11.
Five candidates are standing for the position which became vacant following the resignation of Garry Perry on August 4.
Perry quit politics stating that the system had become ‘tone deaf to challenge’ and ‘transparency was often optional’.
The move followed his resignation as leader of the council earlier this year.
Now, five candidates have stepped forward hoping to take his spot as one of the three councillors in Pelsall.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked each candidate the same question: what can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Joe Belcher – Green Party
Age: 40
Address: Rushall-Shelfield ward
Occupation: Maintenance
What can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Joe said: “The main focus is local issues, local services, making sure budgets are increased rather than reduced.
“For too long we’ve had a culture of governments, central and local, cutting budgets year on year and expecting better results for it.
“It is like cutting a household budget, but expecting to have a better life, it’s not going to happen. It doesn’t work at all.
“The second biggest issue for me, and I believe for the majority of Walsall, is the green belt.
“The conservatives pledge to protect the green belt, saying it’s under threat. But it’s under threat from the conservative council in Walsall and at a national level it’s under threat from labour.
“On the planning committee 14 out of 20 members are conservative. So nothing can get through the committee without their backing.
“My message is that our green belt is not for sale, you can do that by electing green councillors onto Walsall Council.”
Graham Eardley – Reform
Age: 59
Address: Pelsall ward
Occupation: Carer for relative and chair of the board of patronage for the Lichfield Diocese of the Church of England
What can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Graham said: “Should I be elected, I will be able to speak up for Pelsall, ask questions and get answers.
“For example, following the construction of the new York’s Bridge on Norton Road, what measures have the council’s highways officials put in place to prevent Pelsall turning into a rat run?
“People need to know what is happening with the Old Bush pub on Walsall Road and the former Bush Football ground I will be able to quiz senior people on the council about this and report back.
“Concerns have been raised about the ineffectiveness of traffic calming measures and motorbikes accessing the McClean Way. I will raise these issues. So plenty of things to do.
“But above all else a vote for me sends a message that people are fed up to the back teeth with the traditional political parties of labour and conservatives.”
Dan Barker – Liberal Democrats
Age: 51
Address: Paddock ward
Occupation: Civil servant for the ministry of housing
What can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Dan said: “The main thing for me which I offer is service. I think it’s important not to promise too much in terms of policies for how the council is run because there’s only so much one councillor can do, having been there before and knowing the job of the council.
“Being a councillor is about service, listening to people, finding out what the issues are and dealing with them as best you can by getting in touch with the right officers.
“That’s the job, but a lot of people who stand for council don’t realise that. When I see things put up by other candidates, it’s about national politics.
“You can’t change the world in one council election victory. It’s about putting the local people first.”
Lee Chapman – Conservative
Age: 38
Address: Pelsall ward
Occupation: Area manager for an engineering company
What can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Lee said: “I’ve got compassion for community work. More recently in Pelsall with the Armed Forces Network. I’ve always done fundraising and charity work across Walsall.
“Becoming a councillor is the natural next step from the community work I’ve already doing.
“The conservatives have been trying to push to save the green belt, for safer streets, tackling antisocial bahviour and e-bikes, to try and keep everyone safe.
“If I’m successful I will try and influence more armed forces decision as well to make Walsall more veteran friendly.”
Hannah Jones – Labour
Age: 59
Address: Paddock ward
Occupation: Retired NHS nurse and volunteer at Walsall Art Gallery
What can you do for the people of Pelsall?
Hannah said: “My experience is in public service, caring for people as a nurse and now as a community volunteer. That’s the dedication and hard work I’ll bring into local politics.
“I’ll fight to improve local services and make sure Pelsall gets its fair share.
“Families are under pressure and services are struggling because the conservatives have let our area down. I’ll be a strong voice standing up for residents.
“My focus is simple: building a stronger, fairer community. That means protecting local services, supporting families, and working every day for Pelsall residents, something the conservatives have failed to do.”
On September 11, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.
The count will take place later the same evening and it is anticipated that the result will be declared around midnight.
Walsall Council has reminded voters that they are required to bring an ID to be able to vote.
