We’ve asked all of the candidates standing for election to Cheshire East Council to provide our readers with a short introduction to themselves.
We’ll publish these daily for all 52 council wards (in alphabetical order) in the build up to the local elections on 4th May 2023.
You can view all of the Cheshire East Council candidate submissions together by clicking here.
Listed below are all of the candidates seeking your vote in the Poynton East and Pott Shrigley ward.
Voters in Poynton East and Pott Shrigley can select two candidates to represent them on Cheshire East Council.
Poynton East and Pott Shrigley candidates:
- James Booth (Green Party)
- Sarah Marshall (Labour)
- Tim O’Rourke (Social Democratic Party)
- Jos Saunders (Conservatives)
- Geoff Thompson (Labour)
- Hayley Whitaker (Conservatives)
James Booth (Green Party)
Cheshire East Council is planning to remove at least 44 trees from Poynton Pool with another 37 trees at risk of removal.
Poynton Pool is a site of biological importance and also a habitat of principal importance.
The reason given for the removal is a 1 in 10,000 chance of the pool flooding from a 2km² catchment area.
There is absolutely no logical rationale for doing this, and so I am standing to protect the Pool and its trees.
In addition, the idea that Danes Moss might be developed by Cheshire East Council is abhorrent, and we must do everything we can to save it.
I fundamentally believe in 20’s Plenty, and I would look to persuade Cheshire East Council to change its mind and provide residents with safer streets.
Professionally, I teach the barristers and solicitors of the future. I am also a trustee of Cre8 in Macclesfield.
Sarah Marshall (Labour)
I work in education and want to be a voice for young families in Poynton.
I have two children and as a teacher I understand the pressures on schools and wider public services.
I am concerned about the availability and cost of transport, and about issues of personal safety and drug use.
Tim O’Rourke (Social Democratic Party)
Nothing submitted.
Jos Saunders (Conservatives)
I have lived in Poynton for 26 years and am passionate about preserving this wonderful village.
Therefore as a current Poynton town councillor and Cheshire East councillor, I see the protection of the green belt as one of my priorities. As such I have successfully challenged inappropriate housing development.
I am currently involved in the campaign to save the trees by Poynton Pool – as opposed to the relevant Labour councillor who has publicly supported the plan.
I oppose the proposed green bin tax.
I am campaigning to impose a weight restriction on HGV vehicles entering Poynton.
I have argued against the closure of the waste site on Anson Road.
I continually lobby to continue the bus service.
Poynton is a beautiful place and I want to continue to work tirelessly to preserve its unique character.
Geoff Thompson (Labour)
I am an experienced IT professional. I feel privileged to live in Poynton along with three generations of my family.
I have served as a school governor and am keen to help the development of children’s services in Cheshire East.
I have lobbied vigorously on the issue of the Poynton Pool spillway and tree felling.
Hayley Whitaker (Conservatives)
I moved to Poynton 10 years ago, having enjoyed many visits to the area throughout my childhood.
I qualified as a barrister, and currently work as a University Law Lecturer. I also serve in the Royal Navy Reserve.
Shortly after my arrival in Poynton, I became involved in campaigns aimed at protecting the greenbelt, and the protection of wildlife.
Six years later I became a Poynton town councillor, and I am currently Mayor for Poynton.
As a town councillor and mayor, my achievements include setting up a youth town council and, through my fundraising efforts in my mayoral year, I established the Poynton Youth Mental Health Project.
I plan to continue developing both ventures.
Alongside fellow Conservative town and borough councillors, I have challenged Labour plans that would see the felling of over 80 trees in Poynton Pool.
I chaired the public consultation on this matter.
So Cheshire remains proudly non-partisan and has provided the same opportunity to all parties and independent candidates.
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