Who is standing for election in Hucknall West division?

All seats at Nottinghamshire County Council are up for election on Thursday, May 4.

The council is currently made of 67 councillors, across 54 divisions.

Although officially under No Overall Control, it is led by the Labour Party, who hold 32 seats, ahead of the Tories with 21. There are also five Liberal Democrat councillors, four Ashfield Independents and two Mansfield Independent Forum members and three Independents.

After the election, 66 councillors will represent 55 divisions.

Voters in Hucknall West division will elect one councillor to represent them. We asked candidates to submit some details about themselves in the run up to voters going to the polls.

Stuart Bestwick (UKIP)

I have lived and worked locally all of my life, including a time at Vedonis. I am a small business owner and also work as a business consultant, for free, in the charity sector. I have conducted business all over the world, and am used to holding people to account and getting things done. I want to bring that expertise to the county council and help the people of Hucknall West get their voice heard. Don’t just hope for change, vote for change on May 4. Vote UKIP.

Robert Charlesworth (LD)

Kevin Rostance (Con)

Kevin has lived in Hucknall his whole life and has run his own business, Hi-Tech Security, in the town for many years. As well as being a school governor, Kevin has been president of the Rotary Club on three occasions, helps to run a local cricket club and has been involved at some stage with almost every community group in Hucknall. Very few can match Kevin’s commitment to his community going back several decades. As an Ashfield District Councillor, Kevin is chairman of the audit committee, a role given to him by the Labour leadership out of respect for his experience, and has formerly been a senior portfolio holder at County Hall. He would bring a wealth of experience to the county council in support of local residents.

Geoff Ware (HCFC)

It was just more than a year ago that I accepted the call to be more involved in the church and community as a locally recognised lay minister and volunteer. In assisting less abled people in Hucknall who need transport, looking after the financial matters for the forum and assisting in the management of a venue for marriages, funerals, baptisms, birthdays and anniversaries, I have met a large number of people and gained an understanding of the resources and areas of care the residents feel is needed, not just in Hucknall, but in all of Nottinghamshire. It was felt my clear voice coupled with a common sense Christian attitude would enhance the group of councillors voted to serve Nottinghamshire. And so at Forum meeting it was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed I should stand to represent the people of Hucknall. To voice your needs and concerns at council meetings I would value your vote to put me there.

Joe Watkinson (Lab)

Joe was raised in the Beauvale area of Hucknall and educated at local schools. Joe currently works in customer services for a large organisation in the city centre. After completion of his A-levels he went to university in London. Joe moved back to Hucknall after gaining his degree to help support his family. Joe has taken an active role in the community and regularly attends residents’ groups of Hucknall West, including Reach out Residents and the Hucknall West safer neighbourhood committee. Joe has also been involved in the creation of a new community group – the Beauvale Community Association, where he is currently the vice-chairman and has previously been the group’s secretary. Due to his experience of caring for his mum and brother, and him having lived in Hucknall West for most of his life, Joe is confident he has a solid understanding of the issues affecting the area and in particular, lived experience of reliance on health and social care services.

Key

Con – The Conservative Party;

HFCF– Hucknall First Community Forum;

Lab – The Labour Party;

LD – Liberal Democrats;

UKIP – UK Independence Party.