COLCHESTER’S Liberal Democrats are hoping to “bring real change” and “provide genuine and honest representation” if they are successful in May’s local elections.
The group has now announced its candidates for the local elections for seats on Colchester Council which will be held on Thursday, May 4.
It’ll be an interesting election for Colchester Council, with 17 seats - a third of the council - up for grabs, and the potential for a shift in power.
Following the 2022 local elections, the Conservatives, with 19 elected seats, were left with the most seats overall, but they failed to secure an overall majority which left control of the town hall divided in a Lib Dem, Labour, and Green coalition. The Lib Dems and Labour currently hold 15 seats each, making them the council’s joint second-largest parties.
Lib Dems are campaigning for election in all of the city’s wards, with members from varying backgrounds. Many candidates are hoping to retain their seats, but there are plenty of new faces hoping to come through, too.
In its manifesto, the group promises to deliver in six key areas, including providing honest politics, financial security, and a cleaner Colchester.
Its pledges include “working with Colchester BID to take business growth to the next level” and “guaranteeing the council and health services work hand in hand to deliver better, more efficient services”.
Who are the Liberal Democrat candidates standing in the Colchester local elections?
Among the familiar faces is Mark Cory, representing Wivenhoe. Mark, who is also a part-time teacher and chair of the North East Essex NHS Alliance, was first elected in 2007, aged just 20.
“I hope to protect Wivenhoe from over-development, secure improved infrastructure, promote greening projects, achieve safer streets, and greater crime prevention by working closely with Essex Police,” said Mark.
Alison Jay is also standing for re-election, after securing her Highwoods seat in a by-election last year.
Alison, who has lived in Highwoods for 20 years, said: “I am fully invested in the place I live. With my background in finance, I can add value to the decision-making process at all levels.”
Her priorities include addressing accessibility and early years issues, improving roads and infrastructure, and enhancing Highwoods County Park.
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Sam McCarthy, 27, a “proud Shrub End-er”, hopes a Lib Dem led council “would take at least partial responsibility for roads and pavements” and “retain more council tax, without the need to raise it, to provide more sports and youth facilities in Shrub End”.
Lesley Scott-Boutell is hoping to retain her seat in Stanway. Lesley said her career has given her “a good understanding of highway matters – a hot topic in the community”.
She added: “I’m currently campaigning on noise barriers for the Stanway stretch of the A12, creating community orchards, more wildflower and spring bulb planting and look forward to applying the findings of the parking review that I fought for in the heart of Stanway.”
Among the Lib Dem members hoping to take over seats are Natalie Sommers, standing in St Anne’s and St John’s, Venessa Moffat, standing in Mile End, Catherine Spindler, standing in New Town and Christchurch, and John Loxley, standing in Prettygate.
Natalie Sommers, 47, has lived in Colchester with her family for 25 years and works as a personal assistant for an IT company.
She wants to “continue to tackle Essex Highways about their neglect of Colchester’s roads”.
Vanessa Moffat, 48, says she is “very community focused” and believes “together we can achieve so much more towards sustainable living on a day-to-day basis”.
“Small things can add up to bigger things,” adds Vanessa, drawing upon her experience working as a data centre manager.
Feeling “safe from crime and antisocial behaviour” is high on the agenda for Catherine Spindler.
Catherine added: “I am passionate about the area I grew up in which has been a part of me throughout my life. It is really sad to see some areas so rundown.”
John Loxley, a retired HR manager who worked in the NHS and local government, wants to ensure the council is "progressive".
John, who has campaigned for 14 years for Colchester Council to regain control of its highways, said: "We need to make Colchester a safer place to walk and cycle and improve our potholed roads and damaged pavements.
"I hope to be able to help to develop better provision of public services for all, young and old, in Prettygate and all of our city."
The Lib Dem candidates standing in other wards are Simon Collis for Berechurch, Martin Gillingham for Castle, Chantelle-Louise Whyborn for Greenstead, Thomas Stevenson for Lexden and Braiswick, Shaun Boughton for Old Heath and the Hythe, Karen Maxwell for Rural North, and Jennifer Ann Stevens for Tiptree.
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