Meet the candidates standing in the Doxford ward of 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 Doxford, are:

Paul Wilfred Leslie GIBSON (Liberal Democrat)

I am a retired teacher and accountant and have been active with the local Lib Dem Focus Team for several years.

If elected as councillor, together with Heather Fagan I will keep running campaigns, getting things done for residents and keeping in touch all year round – not just at election time.

I want the Council to sort the basics like fixing roads, cleaning streets, and investing in more school and GP places in our area.

Along with Heather Fagan I will put our area first, and will fight against wasteful spending to invest in our community and improving the city centre instead.

I hope you will lend me and the local Lib Dems your vote this time – so I can demand better for our community and our city.

Thomas Patrick JOHNSTON (Labour and Co-operative Party)

This is a first-time election for me standing in my home ward. I love the ward I am seeking to represent and want to make it the best it can be.

As well as having paid employment I have been a volunteer for most of my adult life.

Since Covid-19 entered our lives, I have volunteered with the NHS Responders helping at vaccination centres and making welfare calls to those requesting support.

I am a Sunderland Covid-19 champion keeping residents up to date on matters and when requested offering support utilising my experience as a Welfare Rights worker.

My agenda to protect the most vulnerable in the community, addressing child poverty, protecting youth services and community facilities and working with the police.

I support a green agenda recognising our need to make a contribution to the climate change agenda.

Auburn LANGLEY (Green Party)

I have a long association with Doxford and currently care for my grandad, who lives in the ward, on a daily basis.

I am not a politician; I am a local woman who wants more for this area.

I want to protect and maintain our green spaces, improve public transport and ensure that service provision, particularly in health and education, is expanded to meet the needs of the growing population.

I know excessive noise from new building projects has been an issue and, as a councillor, I would tackle this.

Vote Green for a councillor who will speak for you.

John Scott WIPER (Conservative Party)

I am a retired detective, having previously served in Sunderland CID.

I have served on the council previously as a councillor for Fulwell Ward, so I offer a level of experience unmatched by any other candidate.

Having recently moved house, and looking at the state Sunderland is in under Labour, I believe a strong, experienced opposition councillor is required in Doxford.

Other smaller parties have made big promises but delivered little.

The Conservatives have held Labour’s feet to the fire and, with more councillors, will be able to do so even more effectively.

As a Brexit voter I am pleased to have left the EU.

I know many residents in Doxford are also big believers in Brexit and hope they will support me over Remain/Rejoin parties.

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