Meet the candidates for the Washington West ward on Sunderland City council for election on May 6

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 West are:

Andrew Philip BEX (Liberal Democrats)

*no candidate profile or photo provided*

Olwyn BIRD (Conservative Party)

I am a resident of Washington and a retired business owner.

I am pleased to have campaigned to leave the EU, especially as when comparing our vaccine programme with theirs.

I strongly support the Conservative proposals to give Washington its own Town Council. Washington is a distinct area with its own identity and powers should be devolved here from Sunderland City Council.

Outside of politics, I volunteer in the community with women’s groups.

Paul Andrew LEONARD (Green Party)

I am a family man with three children and have lived in Sunderland or Washington all my life. I work in the renewable energy industry as an offshore engineer.

Renewable energy is very close to my heart.

I believe it can help us to tackle climate breakdown and pollution on an international level and also transform local communities by providing good quality employment, safe, cheap energy to residents and improved air quality.

It would give me great pride to represent our community and be involved in such positive changes.

Vote Green for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Bill LITTLE (UKIP)

*No candidate profile or photo provided*

Jimmy WARNE (Labour Party)

I am Jimmy Warne, a former shipyard worker and Trade Union Officer who has lived in our ward for 45 years.

I have spent most of my adult life trying to help those around me by giving representation, often, for those who could not afford to pay a solicitor.

If I am elected, it is my intention to continue to make myself available to anyone who needs me in any way I can.

You can contact me via email or phone but I will hold an additional surgery, in Springwell Village, to the one already held on the second Saturday of the month in Albany.

I pledge to:

Push for better enforcement of 20mph zones around our schools.

Help those living in social housing to improve their living conditions.

Continue to defend our green spaces.

Always work to the best of my ability and be accountable to you, the electorate.

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