Meet the candidates for the Washington East ward on Sunderland City Council for election on May 6

More than 120 candidates have thrown their hat in the ring for this year’s (2021) round of local elections in Sunderland.
From left: Michal Chantkowski, Hilary Johnson and Sean Laws. No candidate profile or photo provided by Stephen Cuthbert.From left: Michal Chantkowski, Hilary Johnson and Sean Laws. No candidate profile or photo provided by Stephen Cuthbert.
From left: Michal Chantkowski, Hilary Johnson and Sean Laws. No candidate profile or photo provided by Stephen Cuthbert.

Voters are due to head to polling stations on Thursday, May 6, to re-elect or replace the holders of 28 seats on Sunderland City Council.

Bidding for the prize in Washington East are:

Michal CHANTKOWSKI (Green Party)

For the last 11 years I have worked with the local community on a number of projects focusing on health and wellbeing, employability and culture.

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I believe Washington would benefit from Green policies such as proper funding for accessible and sustainable public transport and better waste management.

Residents’ views on these issues are too often ignored – this is why we need a local Washington Town Council to bring local government closer to the local people.

If elected, I will use my skills and experience for you, making sure that Washington East is connected, supported and respected.

Stephen CUTHBERT (UKIP)

*No candidate profile or photo provided*

Hilary JOHNSON (Conservative Party)

I am a Chartered Accountant and I have lived within the city of Sunderland for most of my life.

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I currently live in Teal Farm, where I volunteer with local community groups.

In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that the Council spends your money wisely.

We need councillors who are business minded, not easily deterred, and who will fight to make sure you get value for money.

That means opposing wasteful spending like £3m on furniture for Sunderland’s swanky new City Hall.

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I am very proud to be from the North East and am passionate about our region and its economic growth and would welcome the opportunity to represent the residents of Washington East Ward.

If elected, I’ll represent all residents all year round, not just at election time.

Sean Robert LAWS (Labour and Co-operative Party)

I am Sean Laws; I have lived in our ward for over 30 years.

I work for the University and College Union at Durham University as a branch organiser.

My role with UCU is to facilitate the effective running of the union branch so that it is well placed to support members, a valuable skill set for a councillor.

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By using these skills to aid the effective running of our council then it will be well placed to support residents.

Together we can unlock Washington’s potential as a great place to live and work.

This is how:

Local approach – Washington deserves focus and investment. I will always put Washington and its residents at the heart of everything I do.

Green approach – I will continue to defend our green spaces.

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Leadership Accountability – I will always push our leadership to be better.

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120 candidates standing in election on May 6 for seats on Sunderland City Counci...

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