With council elections just around the corner, we're shining a spotlight on the parties standing candidates in Hartlepool, to give them a chance to make their case to residents.

Voters are due to head to polling stations on Thursday, May 7, to have their say on who should represent them on Hartlepool Borough Council.

One seat is up for grabs in each of the area’s 12 wards and a total of 57 candidates are standing across the borough.

All parties fielding contenders, along with the independents hoping to be elected, have been given the opportunity to tell readers why you should vote for them.

Thomas Cassidy, chairman of Hartlepool Conservatives.

placeholder image — Thomas Cassidy, chairman of Hartlepool Conservatives.

Here’s what Rural West candidate Thomas Cassidy, the chairman of Hartlepool Conservatives, who have candidates standing in 11 wards, had to say:

“Under the Conservatives, we had seen significant investment and progress across Hartlepool.

“Many of the projects you are now seeing coming to fruition were initiated and driven forward under a Conservative Government, alongside a Conservative MP, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor and a Conservative-led council at the time.

“Developments such as the new Highlight Leisure Centre, Hartlepool railway station including a new platform, the creation of film and TV studios, the rebuilding of St Helen’s Primary School, a new school in Wynyard and the redevelopment of the Wesley Chapel, all reflect long-term planning and investment which began under Conservative leadership.

“While Labour seek to take credit for these Conservative-led achievements, it is important to recognise the role on what the Conservatives can deliver by making them a reality.

“Regeneration on this scale does not happen overnight, it requires vision, persistence, and a clear plan, that’s what Conservatives can do.

“Reform are only interested in national political arguments and Westminster headlines.

“Reform councillors in Hartlepool failed to be the opposition Hartlepool deserves, while Keir Starmer’s Labour Party broke its own pledge in freezing council tax, and increased it anyway, Reform councillors instead voted with Labour to increase your council tax.

“For local Conservatives, it is about focusing on what matters to residents locally: cleaner streets, better roads, and a council that listens to residents.

“It is about building on the foundations already laid and ensuring that Hartlepool continues to move forward.

“You have the opportunity to return Conservative councillors who want to see progress and a focus on real community priorities, the choice is clear.”