Candidates from four major parties have made their pitch to voters in Northumberland ahead of the local elections next month.
Representatives from Labour, the Conservatives, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats attended a hustings event on Friday. The Green Party were also invited but were unable to attend.
Northumberland also has a large number of independent candidates standing across the county as well as some from smaller parties.
Candidates were asked to present their party’s vision for the future of Northumberland, as well as if they would be willing to work alongside other parties in coalition. Elections in the county since 2009 have produced a majority only once, when the Conservatives secured a majority of one in 2021 – although this was later lost in a by-election.
Northumberland Labour leader Coun Scott Dickinson, who is standing in the Druridge Bay ward, said: “Labour has put forward a positive vision for Northumberland.
“We have been talking about all the things related to the local election and that’s something that’s quite frustrating – we’re at times not talking about what the local elections are about. They’re about housing, social care, keeping communities clean and green and looking after everything you expect from the council.
“Really, from our point of view it’s about the basics – making sure people get the services that they need and taking the council through what will be a change and delivery model, that needs to modernise to keep up with modern day life.
“Obviously, we’re campaigning for an outright win. It hasn’t been possible and isn’t the state the council is in now. the past and everyone has been working on a majority of one or none, or with sensible other councillors.
“You can’t have those discussions with anybody or have a preference until May 2. For me, I’m campaigning for a Labour council, but I will always work with all the parties anyway who represent their communities – but if I have to work with somebody afterwards to put Northumberland first, then I will absolutely do that.”
Reform UK candidate in Haltwhistle Adam Howells said: “I have been listening to voices in our community for quite some time telling me they’re fed up, unrepresented and that they have nobody worth voting for who matches their thoughts and hopes.
“Up until quite recently, I felt the same – but when I read Reform’s contract in the run-up to the last general election, I was relieved and hopeful again at our political future. My friends and family and much of our local community feel the same as I do – that we need to get back to common sense – common sense Government, common sense policing, and common sense education.
“I am not a career politician, but like millions of our supporters, I decided I couldn’t stand by and watch Britain as we know it disappear forever. That’s why I’m here today – to discuss how Reform UK is the party of common sense values, and will put ordinary, hard-working families first in Northumberland.
“We’re in this to win it. We will see what comes out at the end.
“It’s about putting Northumberland first. However we manage to do that among the people that are elected, that is how we do it.”
Coun Richard Wearmouth, the incumbent deputy leader of the council and of Northumberland Conservatives who is standing in the Morpeth Kirkhill ward, said: “I am very proud of our Conservative county council.
“We have performed incredibly well over the last few years. We have accomplished many things.
“We have returned the Northumberland Line; we have attracted hundreds of millions of pounds in investment to the county; we have kept our promise to spend £120 million fixing our roads and pavements; we have built new car parks; we have invested in our leisure centres; our schools have moved from being some of the worst in the country to the top 15% in the country under this administration; and we have made sure we have championed the council at every opportunity.
“Looking to the future, we’re going to make sure that we keep taxes as low as we can; we’re going to spend another £130 million fixing our roads; we’re going to keep up that pressure on delivering on that, keep free parking and deliver more jobs and investment.
“We’re out there for a Conservative victory. We are the only party who have been able to achieve that and I see no reason why we can’t achieve that based on the feedback I’m getting.
“Once you become a councillor and walk through the door, it’s a different environment. Everyone thinks politicians all hate each other, but the vast majority of things we agree with and you find the best way to work with people.
“I have no particular preference on what that looks like, but we are in it to win it.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Natalie Younes, who is standing in Morpeth North, said: “At the general election last year, people voted for change. I can’t see it and Im sure voters can’t either.
“Voters are now feeling lost. I want to reassure people that there is hope, but if you want real, sustained change, then vote for your local Liberal Democrat councillor.
“Our focus in Northumberland is about caring for communities, safeguarding the most vulnerable while enhancing local life; combating the climate crisis with genuine greener transport, housing and development; and about creating longer term growth and delivering prosperity, value for money and opportunities for all, not just for some.
“We, the Lib Dems, are campaigning to take control of the council. If that does not happen, we’re more than happy to work with colleagues in county hall to ensure that all areas are represented and do the best for the county and for the residents.
“That’s the beauty of working in local councils – working with each other for the better of Northumberland. I look forward to doing that.”
Coun Wearmouth pointed out it would be impossible for the Lib Dems to take control of the council, as they are only putting forward 28 candidates out of a possible 69 – he added: “Forgive my gentle teasing on that!”
