New Hartlepool party that pledges to put politics aside announces six more candidates for May local elections

Hartlepool People was formed last October with a focus on putting the needs of the town above big party politics.

It was started by former Labour councillor Dave Hunter shortly after he stood down as the party’s deputy leader on the council.

Former Labour group leader Cllr Paddy Brown also quit the party in favour of the new group.

The party announced its first five candidates for May’s local council elections in January.

Six more candidates have now been unveiled.

They include former Labour councillor and ceremonial Mayor Rob Cook and serving Fens and Rossmere Cllr Jim Lindridge, who quit Labour late last year, and is currently an independent.

Cllr Lindridge said at the time he had become “increasingly frustrated with external influences” within Labour.

The other newly-announced Hartlepool People candidates are Peter Jackson, Rachael Budd, Kathy Dales and Tony Mann.

Cllr Brown said: “We're pleased that our message is getting out there and that more community minded, experienced and hard-working people with the same passion for improving Hartlepool are stepping forward to join us.

“Of course we all have our own political opinions, but they shouldn't be based on or dictated by big party politics.

"They should be based on what we believe is best for Hartlepool. It's that simple.

“We're focused on making Hartlepool a better place to live and visit by bringing people together with events and community action.

"Hartlepool has a lot of potential that we're excited to realise."

The elections will be held on Thursday, May 6, after they were postponed last year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Three councillors will be elected to each of 12 new wards in Hartlepool created following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

It will bring the total number of councillors on the council to 36 compared to 33 currently.

The newly-named wards are Hart, De Bruce, Headland and Harbour, Throston (new), Victoria, Rural West, Fens and Greatham (new), Seaton, Burn Valley, Rossmere, Manor House, and Foggy Furze.

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