Local elections are taking place this May, with 47 seats available across Lichfield District Council’s 22 ward areas.
The Local Democracy Reporter Service has invited candidates to outline their experiences and why they are standing.
One seat has gone uncontested, meaning Brian Yeates will be the Conservative councillor for the Bourne Vale ward.
For all the other candidates, they can expect to find out whether or not they’ve won a seat on the authority after the polls close on 4th May.
In the first of a series of ward profiles, we feature the election hopefuls in the Alrewas and Fradley ward.
Alasdair Brooks (Liberal Democrats)
“I am the chief executive of a Staffordshire-based heritage regeneration charity, and an archaeologist whose specialisations include studying how 19th century Staffordshire pottery was exported around the world.
“I am the current president of the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, the UK and Europe’s main professional society for the archaeological study of the past, from c.1500 to the present, and I have worked professionally in the UK, Australia, the Middle East, the United States and South America.
“I feel strongly about the need for the United Kingdom to maintain and build on its international connections, and I am also deeply interested (professionally and personally) in how the communities in Lichfield distric – from Alrewas to Burntwood – can protect and support their history and heritage in innovative ways that also support economic growth.”
Ian Coxon (Labour)
“I have lived in the district for over 20 years, during which time I have always tried to serve my community.
“I have been chair of a local school governing body, chair of a school parent’s association and more recently helped set up Lichfield Foodbank – serving as chair for several years.
“During the last 20 years of council inaction I have grown tired of paying more rates for less services and hearing the same excuses year after year.
“I am standing because the district needs a new council with fresh ideas and the energy to enact them.”
Derick Cross (Conservatives)
“I have lived in Fradley for over 20 years and I am currently both a district and parish councillor. I have held the position of vice-chair of the district council. I sit on planning, regulatory and licensing and employment committees.
“Over the years I have been involved with all the current facilities provided in this village, including the recent new access road layouts, and the road crossings by St Stephen’s School.
“I am now actively supporting the delivery of the sports club and pavillion.
“I have actively been involved in the distribution of developer contributions for organisations within the village.”
Toby Ryder (Labour)
“I grew up in the area and returned with my wife and our two children who attend local primary and secondary schools.
“I’m a chartered building consultant with my own small company. I have a good professional understanding of construction planning and development which continues to be an important issue within Alrewas and Fradley as the area grows.
“I’m a strong advocate for ensuring village and rural communities benefit from growing population size.
“As a father and local business owner, I am also keen to see that rural areas aren’t forgotten in terms of policing and upkeep of essential services.”
David Whatton (Labour)
“I have lived in Alrewas for 26 years. I have worked in the fire service and, latterly, the NHS for 40 years. I am a lifelong trade unionist and have represented many members during my career.
“I am passionate about people having their voices heard.
“I am a councillor on Alrewas Parish Council (and its chair for last few years) so I understand the issues that concern people – such as flooding, quarrying, housing development and traffic issues.
“If elected, I will work hard to make sure the views of local people are heard at the district council.”
Mike Wilcox (Conservatives)
“Fradley and Alrewas has been my home for the past 25 years. I have been one of your district councillors and held a number of positions including leader of the council.
“I am currently the chairman of overview and scrutiny committee and I also sit on audit and member standards committee.
“I am an active member of St Stephen’s Church and one of the volunteers at the Wednesday Welcome. I am also a Staffordshire County Councillor and use this experience in my local role. I am also on Alrewas Parish Council, and run the Keep Alrewas Tidy Group.”
Sonia Wilcox (Conservatives)
“I have lived in both Fradley and Alrewas for over 25 years. I work part-time in our local GP practice in Alrewas, as well as having my own baking business operating from home.
“I have been your district councillor for the past four years and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the various services we deliver as well as helping residents with their concerns.
“I sit on the planning committee and I am the vice-chair of the employment committee. I have supported many local groups with my Councillor Community Fund, and I am actively involved in many local organisations and assist in arranging local events.”
The at a glance list of candidates standing in the Alrewas and Fradley ward at Lichfield District Council:
Alasdair Brooks
Liberal Democrats
Ian Coxon
Labour
Derick George Cross
Conservatives
Tobias William Ryder
Labour
David Peter Whatton
Labour
Mike Wilcox
Conservatives
Perhaps the Conservative candidates felt that by saying nothing they’d be doing less damage to themselves than the national party and local MP have already done.