Union Development & Democracy Officer Blog

In April I wrote an open letter to all candidates (here) from all parties standing for Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council asking them to sign up to three pledges:

- A Newcastle that improves public transport 
- A Newcastle that priorities mental health support
- A Newcastle that ensures renters are fairly treated 

These pledges were based on the three biggest issues that came up in our poll as the biggest concerns for students in the local area. 
47 candidates, two of which are group leaders for the respective parties, got in touch to say they would back our pledges if elected onto the council. 

The local elections are on May the 3rd, if you're registered you can find details about where you can vote here. 
I can't and won't tell you how to vote, but I hope these pledges mean when you do cast your vote on Thursday, you are that little bit more informed about the candidates. 

I titled this article 'Who will speak for students?' 
At the SU we work day in and day out to speak for students on local issues but in this case the real answer to that is you.
You can only do so by going out and voting and showing that students care.

Here is our list of candidates who've backed the pledges: 

If any of the above information is inaccurate please contact me at su.uddofficer@keele.ac.uk