Meet the GMB activists standing for local government

The local elections on Thursday 3rd May are an opportunity to vote a Labour Party that is committed to investing back into local government as the Tories continue to cut and cut. GMB members know better than anyone the effect that cuts are having on local services and the people who deliver them – rationing of care, the removal of support for the most disadvantaged, investment in communities stalling and pay and conditions deteriorating.

Enough is enough. GMB is encouraging all members who can to vote for Labour on Thursday.

Today, we’ve spoken to two GMB activists who are standing as Labour council candidates themselves. If you are interested in being a Labour council candidate, get in touch by emailing tom.warnett@gmb.org.uk.

Ian Cooper

Tell us about your role in GMB.

I am currently president of S85 branch at Sandwell Council and about to do my rep training in May.

Where are you standing on Thursday?

Belle Vale ward in Dudley council

What made you want to stand for the council?

I was quite active in my branch and felt strongly that we need a Labour Council here in Dudley to protect jobs and services. I was elected in 2014 and am re-standing in May.

How's the campaign going, what's the feeling on the ground?

The Labour vote’s holding up really well.

Has your work in GMB helped you being a candidate and councillor?

GMB have been really supportive and it helps to be able to see the union’s side of things when we were in control of Dudley Council.

What are some of the things you want to get done on the council?

I was cabinet member for Children’s Services when we were in control and we were beginning to turn it around after a poor Ofsted under the Tories. I’d like to finish the job I started!

Anya Durrant

Tell us about your role in GMB.

I joined GMB in 2015 and since have become pretty active in my region’s young members network where I am currently the secretary. I’ve attended policy conferences as a young delegate and am also on the regional equalities forum.

Where are you standing in the local elections?

Kenton ward in Newcastle City Council.

What made you want to stand for the council?

I’ve lived in Newcastle for about four years now, and throughout my time in the city the positive difference that a Labour council makes has always stood out to me. Being an activist contributes to this, but I want to be a strong voice for this community and city that is now my home. I want to serve as an example to young women in the Labour movement, to show that our voices and ideas and important and deserve to be heard.

How's the campaign going, what's the feeling on the ground?

The campaign is going really well! I’m really enjoying meeting residents in Kenton and getting stuck into the issues that affect the community. The feeling on the ground is really positive and it’s humbling that many residents are putting their trust in me to be a voice for the community. I’ve had really great responses on the doorstep and from community groups.

Has your work in GMB helped you being a candidate at all?

GMB has impressed on me more than anything the importance of working as a collective. I’ve had some incredible support from young members in my region and across the country. Having the backing of my GMB family has definitely given me the confidence to put myself forward as a council candidate.

What are some of the things you want to get done on the council if elected?

If elected I want to stand up for the most vulnerable in our community whose needs are being most affected by these Tory government cuts. In the ward I’m standing in, a lot of effort has been put into keeping open vital services for families and young people such as sure start centres and I want to continue to protect these services and see what can be done to increase the opportunities on offer to everyone in the ward. I want to ensure that Kenton remains a safe and clean place to live and work.

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