Manifesto from every party in the Tameside local elections

In two weeks’ time voters in Tameside will head to the polls to decide who their next Councillor should be.

At this year’s local elections 19 of the 57 council seats will be up for grabs in the borough. One out of three seats in each ward will be contested by a total of 93 candidates.

A plethora of political parties are fielding contenders in the council wards this year and all of them are knocking on doors across the borough in an attempt to secure more votes.

This year’s local elections are anticipated to be closer than ever, with Reform and Greens expected to compete with Labour and Conservatives.

The council is currently controlled by Labour, who enjoy a majority with 38 out of 57 seats in the chamber. The red rosettes have maintained majority control of Tameside council since 1979.

That iron grip could be lost this time though as the party will be defending 14 current seats this time around.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 7, from 7am until 10pm. Voters are reminded they will need to take ID to polling stations in order to vote.

Here is what each party running in this election has to say to the electorate…

════════Labour════════

Labour’s council leader for Tameside, Eleanor Wills, said: “Tameside stands at a crossroads, with important choices about the kind of future the borough will have. While other parties rely on grievance politics, offering little more than complaints and division, Labour is setting out a clear and practical plan for the borough’s future. 

“At the heart of Labour’s vision is a commitment to revitalising every town. From Droylsden to Mossley, each community would benefit from a tailored regeneration plan designed to attract investment and reflect local priorities. 

“Major projects in Ashton and Stalybridge would be accelerated, helping transform them into thriving destinations, while valued community events and markets would continue to be supported as part of a wider cultural renewal. 

“Labour’s approach also focuses on restoring pride in public spaces. Plans include a Big Fix initiative to tackle persistent local issues, continued strong enforcement against fly tipping, and action to reclaim high streets from rogue traders. 

“Partnerships with local police aim to ensure town centres are safe and welcoming. 

“Housing is another key priority. Labour proposes a major expansion in social and affordable housing, alongside developments such as Godley Green, while maintaining firm action against exploitative landlords and homelessness. 

“The plan also supports young people and the local economy, with investment in family services, apprenticeships, and skilled jobs. Improved transport links would better connect residents to opportunity.”

════════Conservatives════════

Councillor Andrea Colbourne, speaking on behalf of the Conservative association, said: “With polling day approaching on May 7, we are proud to stand on a record of consistent, year-round commitment to our communities. While some parties have only just announced their candidates, Conservative candidates have been working tirelessly all year, listening to residents, addressing concerns, and delivering practical results.

“We believe voters deserve reliability, not last-minute appearances. Our candidates are rooted in the areas they serve, with a clear track record of action rather than promises.

“Simply put, we are the grown-ups in the room, focused on responsible decision-making, sound finances, and long-term stability for our local communities. Locally, your Conservative Councillors deliver. 

“We successfully pushed for free parking in our town centres – an idea Labour ultimately adopted. We continue to stand with residents against inappropriate development on the Green Belt. 

“We secured an Article 4 Directive so all HMOs must go through planning, giving communities a stronger voice. We also led the charge on tackling fly tipping, after highlighting five years of inaction, enforcement has increased, fines are up, and incidents are down. 

“And we brought forward a unanimously supported motion on Child Sexual Exploitation, strengthening accountability so no one in public roles can remain silent. This election is a choice between consistency and uncertainty.

“By voting Conservative, you are choosing experience, reliability, and a team that has already proven its commitment to the people it serves. Ask anyone with a Conservative Councillor in their ward.

“We respectfully ask for your support on May 7.”

════════Reform UK════════

Rob Barrowcliffe, chair of Reform in Tameside, said: “After 48 years of Labour control, and 48 years of managed decline we stand firmly behind an agenda that offers the first real opportunity for the people of Tameside to set a new course and work towards a completely fresh start.

“We stand for civic pride and getting the basics right – ensuring potholes are filled, bins are emptied, road markings are visible, grass is cut and community projects are supported.  We will maintain, preserve and pass on the great local heritage entrusted to us.

“We stand for value for money – all expenditure is to be thoroughly scrutinised and projects will be tendered for long term value added. We stand for safety – no man, woman or child should be made unsafe using public transport, walking the streets or owning a shop front.

“We stand against over development and the blight of HMOs – protecting our towns, preserving our green spaces, supporting our farmers and ensuring locals are prioritised. We stand against political pandering – to foreign ethnic and religious voting blocs, the EDI agenda, and promote a level playing field for all on the basis of meritocratic standards.

“We will confront the issue of child rape gangs operating in Tameside, both current and historic, and work to fix Tameside’s broken children’s and adult services. All 19 of our candidates are local to the town they are standing in, and have been selected on the basis of the capabilities they bring and the values that they hold: putting family, community and country first.”

════════Tameside Independent Group════════

Leader of the Tameside Independent Group, Coun Ged Cooney, said: “The Tameside Independent Group has been formed with one clear mission: to be the independent voice in our towns for local people, while working together as an alliance at council.

“The group brings together independent Councillors who work individually in their own towns, focusing on the local issues that matter most to residents. At the same time, they work as an alliance and in collaboration as a group at council where there is common ground and a shared purpose. 

“There is no group whip, no party control and no one telling members how to vote. Instead, the group says it is united by one common cause, to improve our towns and keep fighting for our local communities.

“Members say the group was formed because too many residents feel ignored and let down by party politics. They believe local people deserve representatives who will put towns first and speak up on the everyday issues affecting their lives.

“The group has also spoken out against Labour policies since coming into government, saying many have not worked for ordinary people. They point to winter fuel cuts, the treatment of WASPI women, rising costs, higher council tax, pressure on the NHS, poor housing conditions, potholes, overgrown trees, and the poor state of local streets.

“They say residents are paying more and more in council tax but seeing little real improvement in their neighbourhoods. In many areas, families still face poverty, rising bills and a lack of fair investment.

“The group’s message is simple: put our towns first, stand up for local people, and fight for the issues that matter most.”

════════Green Party════════

Phil Wilson-Marks, local party contact for Tameside Green Party, said: “On May 7, voters in Tameside have a real opportunity to choose something different: hardworking, community-focused Green Councillors who speak up for residents. 

“We’re not backed by billionaire donors. That means we answer to you all year round, not just at election time.

“Residents tell us they want the basics done properly – reliable bin collections, cleaner streets, well-maintained public spaces, and serious action to tackle fly-tipping. Green Councillors will prioritise these everyday issues while planning for a better future.

“We will protect our green spaces for residents by pushing for development to happen on brownfield land only and bringing empty properties back into use. We want better public transport that actually works for us, and stronger support for local businesses that keep our high streets not just alive but thriving.

“In Denton South, our candidate Jackie will oppose the Two Trees Development. In Audenshaw, our candidate Glenn is a long standing champion of tackling fly-tipping. 

“In Ashton Waterloo, our candidate Lee has a track record of attending every single full council meeting in his time as Councillor. In Stalybridge North, I will be pushing for a permanent GP surgery for Ridge Hill. 

“Across the borough, we will protect our waterways, including the River Tame, and invest in community spaces where people of all ages can connect. We all feel let down and unheard. 

“A vote for the Greens is a vote for practical action, local accountability, and a stronger, more connected community.”