Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 4 May to elect their representatives on High Peak Borough Council. Here's your guide to candidates standing in Glossopdale, who were asked to tell us what they aim to do for the area.

Dinting

Dom Elliott-Starkey, Conservative

Dinting needs a strong representative who understands the daily issues we face, and I am committed to ensuring we get our voice heard.

I live in Glossop with my two stepchildren which attend our local schools, and I am passionate about ensuring our outdoors spaces are protected for many more generations.

As a new candidate, I am keen to bring a fresh approach and view to High Peak Borough Council improving access to council services, investing in our high street and local businesses, and improving our parks and play areas for all generations to enjoy.

I am a governor at one of our local primary schools and I am dedicated to improving our local area.

I will be an approachable representative for you, if elected on 4 May. 

Holly McBride, Green Party

I’m Holly, and I have lived in Glossop for 16 years.

I am proud to be standing as the Green candidate for Dinting ward in the borough council elections this May.

I believe passionately in securing a green, safe, and fair future for the next generations to come, and this starts at a local level.

As your councillor, and someone who regularly cycles up Mottram Moor, I will do my best to ensure improvements in green transport infrastructure, including more cycle lanes, to reduce pollution and improve our physical and mental health.

As an NHS GP, I believe in the principles of the NHS.

There needs to be massive improvements in funding for health and social care in order to adequately support the needs of communities.

The Green Party fights for a fairer society for all and I will ensure that all residents’ voices are heard at council level.

Rachel Sloman, Labour

Rachel has lived in the High Peak since she was 11 and has now chosen to raise her own family in Glossopdale.

Rachel is a passionate public servant, working as a manager in the NHS specialising in improvement and transformation of health and social care for the benefit of patients.

Her care and dedication to improving public services is reflected in her desire to represent the community as a local councillor in Dinting.

Rachel says: “I am a mum to two young children (and a cocker spaniel) and an active member of local community groups.

“As your councillor I will work tirelessly to ensure Dinting residents have access to the best services.

“I love spending time on my allotment and getting out into our countryside, our green spaces are really important to me and my family.”

Stephen Worrall, Liberal Democrats

Raised and schooled in Glossop, Stephen now lives in Dinting with his wife and infant daughter.

After obtaining a Masters and PhD from the University of Manchester he worked as a researcher on Climate and Space Materials.

He is now a lecturer in chemistry at Aston University where he teaches undergraduates and leads a small research group developing new materials to help fight climate change and pollution.

With a strong track record of representing local residents, twice elected as councillor and chair of the parish council in Charlesworth, Stephen has established a reputation for both listening to residents’ concerns and for getting things done.

He has also already fought to represent Dinting, as its borough councillor, county councillor and MP, in the past.

Gamesley 

Matthew Firth, Green Party

I have lived in the High Peak for over 20 years with my wife, Sue.

We have three children who are each embarking on their GCSEs, A Levels, and degree respectively this year.

My favourite pastime is music, both playing in a hobby band and attending live gigs, and really enjoy walking within the High Peak, recognising the privilege and responsibility of living in such an area.

Having had a career in IT Consultancy and project management, I have increasingly become frustrated with the short term-ism and self-interest of politics at all levels.

The range and complexity of issues to be tackled by High Peak are often the result of this lack of long-term thinking and I believe the Green Party, with its focus on what is best for all of us in sustainable way, represent the best alternative to address these challenges for the good of all.

Anthony Mckeown, Labour Party

I’ve been privileged to be your local councillor representing our great community for the past four years, and what a last four years it’s been.

I’ve previously been a school governor, and I’m currently a trustee at G52 helping to support the amazing work they do across our community, from the pantry to community events and much much more.

It’s been great to support a range of local initiatives through the Councillor Initiative fund including the Hang Out Club, Glossop Arts Project and more.

If re-elected, Anthony has pledged to continue to campaign for local bus services to be retained, enhanced, and improved; fix the missing link and get Gamesley connected to Gamesley Woods and complete the trans Pennine Trail; campaign to get roads and pavements fixed and work to secure investment in Gamesley and work to keep the area clean and tidy.

Also standing:

Mick Reddy, Conservative

Hadfield North

Neil Best, Green Party

I live in Hadfield with my wife and two children and work in the Culture and Green Spaces area in Local Government after a lengthy career in publishing and book-selling.

I have been a member of The Green Party for 20 years and, as well as environmental concerns, am interested in political reform, humanism, and internationalism.

Whether it be sewage being freely pumped into every river in England, or appallingly uncoordinated local planning for housing and transport infrastructure or opportunities for young people, there are a host of issues that Greens can help residents in the High Peak amplify and improve.

Instead of the tired cycle of party politicking, unkept promises and chaotic delivery, I’d like to see a more honest and democratic way forward.

Gillian Cross (Labour)

From community work and telesales to retail and social care, Gill has had lots of different life and work experiences.

Her experiences have given her the ability to communicate with all age groups and from all walks of life.

Gill says: “I’m aware of and fully understand the issues currently facing Hadfield, including the lack of youth provision, the lack of mental health services, the current state of our local roads, the scourge of litter locally and lots more. I wish to put myself forward to address these longstanding issues and stand up for Hadfielders.

“I am heavily involved in community life, and I am excited by Hadfield’s future potential.

“I aim to provide the people of Hadfield with a fresh, enthusiastic local voice. I am not interested in grandstanding or petty political point scoring, I’ll always put the interests of our local community first.”

Also standing:

David Cadwell, Conservative

Hadfield South 

Robert Hodgetts-Haley, Green Party

Robert Hodgetts-Haley is a local family man, who grew up in Hadfield South.

He is passionate about protecting green spaces and regularly campaigns for green ideals with a very hands-on approach.

He has been involved with local green politics for many years, including previously standing in borough and county council elections and also stood as the High Peak Green Party parliamentary candidate in the last general election.

He feels that it is imperative that councillors should live and vote by the policies they stand for, and has been extremely disappointed seeing the incumbent councillors showing complete disregard for their pledges.

The best way to keep the main parties in check is by voting in a Green councillor to hold them accountable, particularly on green policy.

In this ward you get two votes, regardless of who else you vote for, make one of them Green!

Bob Mckeown (Labour)

Bob has been one of the two Hadfield South councillors since 2003 and is a former Mayor of the Borough.

He is a former chair of governors at a local school, former member of the Community Health Council and a current member of the Age UK Your Voice engagement panel.

He is currently chair of the Council’s Development Control (planning) committee.

Bob has helped local people sort out a range of problems locally and campaigned to save local buses and libraries.

Bob wants to continue to work with local residents to tackle their concerns.

Bob says: “I’ve worked to be well known in the community both where I live and within the whole of my ward Hadfield South. I like to make sure that people are aware of things going on, and changes that are about to happen.”

Edward Siddall, Labour Party 

Edward is a school governor, a dad to three young children, and has been a Hadfield South councillor since 2011 and is a governor at Hadfield Nursery.

Edward is very active in the area and does a wide range of community work.

He is a member of Glossop Round Table and has helped to raise more than £100,000 for local charities and good causes in the last 10 years.

He helped to put on two music festivals and is part of the committee which is bringing the Victorian Weekend back to Glossop.

He has worked with all the local groups to support them with fundraising and helped to run events such as the Christmas market and bonfire on Gamesley.

He has used his Councillor Initiative Fund to fund the food bank, G52, Hadfield Coming Together, and a new Defib Box to go on the Pear Tree Pub in Hadfield.

Also standing:

Julie Conlan, Conservative

Tom Wynne, Conservative

Howard Town 

Godfrey Claff, Labour

Godfrey Claff has lived in Howard Town Ward for 38 years.

His wife, Margaret, has always lived in Glossop and their four children were educated at Glossop schools.

Godfrey is associated with some of Glossop’s best-known institutions; currently Chair of Glossopdale Foodbank for the past six years; a founder, and first secretary of the Glossop domestic abuse charity, Crossroads Derbyshire; board member of The Bureau for 20 years including Chair for 12 years; Vice Chair of High Peak Citizens’ Advice; Vice Chair of Glossopdale School and Chair of the former Glossop School.

Now retired, he worked in community development including 13 years in the Peak District, creating local services and jobs, and ten years as a consultant to governments in Central and Eastern Europe, advising them on the management and development of their services and the construction of democracy.

He represented Howard Town on High Peak Council 2011-2019.

Damien Greenhalgh, Labour

I love Glossop, it’s where I live, work and grew up. I am passionate about improving our area.

Throughout my political, professional, and personal community roles I have always sought to obtain the absolute best for Glossop and our community.

If re-elected, I will continue to be hardworking, ambitious, and accessible as ever. I will continue to hold regular street surgeries and provide updates to residents through leaflets, letters and via social media posts and videos.

Labour has put its words into action - from George Street Woods to the market hall - investing in our town and working with you. We are on your side.

I promised to fight for investment in our market and town hall four years ago and we’re delivering as a Labour team.

Damien says: “With the work on the market hall due to complete next spring, an exciting future lies ahead for our town and our market.”

Linda Walker, Green Party

I have lived in Glossop for 40 years and feel very lucky to live in the beautiful Peak District.

I run a children’s charity and have been campaigning for peace and justice, protection of our environment and against racism all my adult life.

Locally, my greatest concern is the folly of the planned new link roads, the so-called ‘bypass’.

These roads will do nothing to improve traffic flows in Glossop, will increase pollution, cost around £200m, cause two years of disruption and are incompatible with our net zero goals.

How much better it would be to invest some of this money into making safe walking and cycling routes around Glossop, and massively improving our bus services.

I would like the council to put the environment and the need to cut our carbon emissions at the heart of all its policies.

I believe all councils should be demanding more resources and more autonomy from central government, instead of having to battle against each other in time wasting grant applications.

Also standing:

Lesley Morgan, Conservative

Anne Thornley, Conservative

Old Glossop 

Sebastian Andrews, Labour

I’m an avid supporter of local theatre and the arts, having lived around the Old Glossop ward I appreciate the importance of local shops and businesses to the community and will fight for the issues raised to me by residents.

My aims are to be a councillor who is available and ready to champion the issues in our area and to be a visible and active member of this wonderful community.

It’s time for a change and me and my fellow candidate Linda believe we are the fresh approach needed to make that change.

I am keen to hear from local residents, community groups and businesses.

If elected I will hold regular meetings to hear people’s concerns and views, from individuals with personal concerns to community groups and local businesses seeking support and representation.

Paul Bohan, Green Party

I live in Glossop and I’m CEO of High Peak charity Zink which now employs 12 staff and 85 volunteers supporting people in our community. This and previous local authority and civil service work enables me to understand how a council operates.

As an Old Glossop cub leader, I contribute to the development of kids in Shirebrook/Old Glossop areas.

In 2014, I started Old Glossop Victorian Christmas now run by Old Glossop Residents’ Association, and I still help out!

Over the last few years, I have honed my fundraising skills and brought over £2m into the High Peak creating jobs and delivering services particularly for the most vulnerable.

I’m currently working on setting up a housing association for and owned by High Peak people to provide decent homes and have some say in where they are built.

We take possession of the first homes in summer.

Paul Hardy, Conservative

One of the councillors currently representing this ward, Paul is seeking re-election.

Adie Hopkinson, Conservative

I am delighted to have been chosen to partner Paul Hardy as Conservative candidate for the Old Glossop Ward.

I’ve been a resident in the ward for 37 years during which I’ve served for 30 years in the local police, set up the SEGRA Neighbourhood Watch, am Scout Leader in the ward, and served 17 years with Glossop Mountain Rescue.

I see the role of councillor as that of helping residents with their problems.

The main issues raised during canvassing being speeding vehicles on Sheffield Road and Manor Park Road, the Mottram bypass, poor street lighting.

If elected I would work with our MP, Robert Largan and County Councillor Jean Wharmby to resolve issues under their control.

Decisions and money spent must be fully accountable.

I really care about Glossop, it’s a great place to live and I want to make it better still.

Linda Rundle, Labour

I am standing in the Old Glossop ward as a local councillor, because I want the best for my local community.

I have lived in Old Glossop, with my partner for the past 12 years - you’ve probably seen me walking my dog Sophie in the park or attending community events.

I have lots of experience at working in local authorities and in government at senior levels.

I am now retired and want to work to support residents in the local community at individual, group, and community level.

My working career spanned many roles in education, social care, and counselling.

A former governor at a Glossop primary school, I was Chair of High Peak Women’s Aid (now Crossroads).

Whilst I am also involved in care and support for my nine grandchildren and their parents, I now feel the time has to put something back into my community.

Padfield

Ollie Cross, Labour

I live in Hadfield with my wife Gill and stepsons Tyler and James.

I’ve been very active in Padfield ward and enjoyed immersing myself into community life over the past few years.

I care deeply about making our local community a cleaner, safer, and even more beautiful place to live.

I conduct litter picks in Padfield and Hadfield all year round, whatever the weather, and attend community litter picks.

I support local residents by attending Padfield Residents’ Society and Park Road Residents’ Society meetings and hold my own monthly advice surgeries at Padfield Congregational Chapel.

I’m proud to be a school governor at Padfield Community Primary School too.

I’m secretary of the community group that runs Bellies Not Bins, helping to package up and serve food parcels for Padfielders and Hadfielders every Thursday.

As well as attending weekly social clubs such as Tuesday Club and Carmel Coffee Morning.

Also standing are:

Lucas Jones, Green Party

Leo Parker, Conservative

Simmondley 

Stewart Gardner (Labour)

I’ve lived in Simmondley for 25 years. Me and my family love it here - my son went to school in Simmondley and it’ll always be home.

One of my key pledges four years ago was to try and improve facilities for young people in Simmondley so I’m thrilled that work is on the new £60,000 playground on Pennine Road is complete - this shows what we can achieve with a Labour council.

I’ve prided myself on always being available to constituents whether through regular advice surgeries locally at YOGI or monthly sessions in Glossop with councillor colleagues.

I’ve campaigned against and continue to object to the proposed housing development at Adderley Fields and will speak against it at the Planning Committee when the plans come before it.

It’s been really rewarding to help local causes by using grants from my Councillor Initiative Fund. I’m incredibly proud to represent Simmondley on HPBC.

Pam Mackie, Labour

I have lived in Hadfield for over 20 years and as a GP I have listened to local people’s worries and concerns over that time.

I have raised five children here, my three youngest all attending local schools and now in well-established careers.

Having reached retirement age, I have reduced my working hours to two days a week and have time available to dedicate to local government as a councillor if elected.

In addition to my work as a GP, I have refurbished two closed shops on the main street in Hadfield which have continued to trade since then.

I also contributed food from the tea rooms/restaurant to Bellies not Bins and ran some fundraising for Reuben’s Retreat when I was running the pot painting shop and the tea rooms.

Hector Marchetti Urena, Conservative

I moved to Simmondley as I was drawn to its special character. I am an experienced political campaigner who wants to deliver positive changes for my neighbours.

I am standing for election because I believe that, together with my running mate Stephen Marsden, we can give something back to where we live.

Over the past year, Stephen and I have asking for the community’s views on local issues.

We have distilled the main asks into our six-point plan.

If elected on 4 May, we will oppose the Adderley Place application for 100 new houses on greenfield land; push for a second play park and consult on improving the Multi-Games Area; create a community speed watch scheme given recurring speeding issues; call for more bins and dispensers to keep the area tidy; work with Derbyshire to repair our footpaths; and lobby for a better 341 bus timetable.

Stephen Marsden, Conservative

I have lived in Simmondley for coming up on nine years now. I believe that I have something to offer back to this wonderful place we live in and that’s why I am standing in the election on 4 May. 

I have spent a lot of time over the past year getting to know the residents of Simmondley and what matters to them.

Working alongside Hector Marchetti Urena, I am committed to working hard to advocate for the people of Simmondley and to deliver for them on the issues that matter. Vote for change on 4 May.

St John's 

Pauline Bell, Labour

Charlesworth and Chisworth have some wonderful green community spaces - apart from the hills! We must keep these spaces available for our community.

We need places to hold carnivals, summer parties, bonfire parties, to play, have picnics or just sit. I have served on the Charlesworth Carnival Committee and I’m currently involved with the Chisworth summer parties and bonfire parties.

These are fantastic events that bring communities together and have a special place in village life.

Pauline says: “When I’m elected, I’ll work with Charlesworth and Chisworth Parish Councils to ensure that their voices are heard on High Peak Borough Council and to ensure that our roads become safer and the 20 is Plenty campaign.

“I will campaign for affordable, reliable, and more frequent buses. I will be a voice for the whole of St John’s ward from Brick Houses to Higher Gamesley to Derbyshire Level.”

Ryan Elliott-Starkey, Conservative

I have lived in the area my whole life and now my two children attend the local schools.

St John’s is a huge ward, and I will ensure no part of it is left out.

Over the last few years, I have been supporting Cllr George Wharmby in the ward and attending the parish council, which has given me a real insight.

One of my main priorities for the area is campaigning for effective public transport links through the ward, since many residents, including my grandparents, are completely isolated at weekends and unable to make hospital appointments.

I also believe it should be infrastructure before house building when it comes to new developments. This needs to be made clear to planners and that’s exactly what I intend to do! I will be a strong fresh voice for the community, get our voices heard and make a real difference in St John’s.

Tintwistle

Rob Baker, Labour

It has been my privilege to serve as borough councillor for Tintwistle Ward for the last four years.

I made Tintwistle my home in 2010 and since then I’ve raised a family here, been involved with numerous community projects, working hard to improve our corner of High Peak from Crowden to Brosscroft and everywhere in between.

Helping to renovate and grow our incredible playground as a founding member of Friends of Conduit Street, securing £20,000 of investment towards the new cricket clubhouse, organising regular litter picks over the whole ward and working with our wonderful community organisations, helping to secure grant funding as well as practical support and advice.

I believe in helping communities to help themselves, working in partnership with the council and the voluntary sector. I’m excited to see what more we can achieve when we work together.

Robyn Hodgetts-Haley, Green Party 

Robyn Hodgetts-Haley has lived in the Glossopdale area for eight years and has had valuable insight to the issues that the local area is facing.

She has been involved in local green politics and previously stood for Hadfield North in the 2019 local elections and Glossop and Charlesworth in the 2021 county council elections.

She is passionate about green issues, particularly protecting green spaces and social equality. Vote for the common good. Vote Green.

Also standing:

Ann Flavell, Conservative

Whitfield

Barbara Hastings-Asatourian, Labour

I am happy and proud to be standing as candidate for Whitfield, where I have lived for over 30 years. I have been a Labour Party member all of my adult life.

I have enjoyed a lifetime of being active in community groups, volunteering in women’s health, domestic abuse, teens, health and fitness groups, and local and international charities.

I worked in the NHS from 1975 to 2021 as a nurse, then midwife, health visitor, nurse teacher and finally a vaccinator as part of the Covid Emergency Register.

I am retired, enjoying being my family, especially my grandchildren, and practising and teaching yoga and meditation. I will always try my best to serve my community, to deal with or find out how to resolve any issues raised.

I am ready and willing to learn, so I can do everything to the best of my ability.

Philip Taylor, Green Party

Local politics is at the cornerstone of our lives in the High Peak, and as a Green party member, I believe the Green Party’s values are best suited in order to move away from the see-saw politics in our borough council.

The Green party presently hold the main parties to account, but if you elect another Green councillor, you will have a valid voice at last.

I live and work in the High Peak and I am passionate about making a difference. I want to represent Green issues on the council, and I want High Peak residents to feel their voice is being heard. Voting Green is not a wasted vote, with the balance of power in the borough so finely poised, a Green vote can make all the difference.

Also standing:

Norma Fozard, Conservative

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