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 South, where two positions are up for grabs, are:
1. Richard Peter BRADLEY (Green Party)
Councils are more responsive and effective when they are not dominated by a single party. As a Green, I believe in cooperative, grown-up politics where the needs of the city, rather than a particular party, is the priority. I want to make Washington and Sunderland a better place for future generations. To find positive solutions that improve quality of life for residents. I will remind the council at every opportunity that they declared a climate emergency and should be focusing on building back sustainably. For a start, this means green jobs, protecting green spaces, reducing emissions and improving public transport. Photo: UGC
2. Paul DONAGHY (Conservative Party)
I’m a local small business owner and Royal Navy veteran. I live in Oxclose with my wife, an A&E Nurse, and our four children. I am standing for election in Washington South as our area has been badly let down by lack of investment and ambition for the area. Washington needs a strong voice that will stand up for residents and act on your priorities. If elected, I will allocate funding for park developments and events and ensure the focus for Area Committee funding is children’s projects and supporting local businesses, not vanity projects. Photo: UGC
3. Steven Boyd DONKIN (Liberal Democrat)
I have lived in Lambton and Oxclose for the last 15 years and work as a self-employed voluntary and community services consultant, working with local charities. Washington has suffered greatly from cuts in public funding and services. It is a combination of service to the community and desire to challenge bad decisions and the poor deal that Washington gets that has led me to stand as a local councillor for Ayton, Lambton, Oxclose and Rickleton. Labour bosses say there’s no money for Washington, but they’re spending millions on new council offices in Sunderland. Photo: UGC
4. Michael Anthony ELLIS (Green Party)
As a councillor I will endeavour to represent residents with transparency, effectiveness and passion, but above all with a continuous presence. I will always be available to residents. I will listen to your concerns or issues and promise to fight for the residents of Washington South to be heard. I believe in supporting local businesses, encouraging sound environmental policies, such as more efficient waste management, and I believe in social justice and equality. I will seek to protect green spaces and push for lower speed limits on residential streets. I promise that a vote for me will not be wasted. Photo: UGC