Meir North by-election candidates make pitch to voters

Three candidates will stand in the Meir North by-election next month - they all told Stoke Nub News why residents should vote for them.

The election, which is due to take place on Thursday 2 May, was confirmed after Cllr Desiree Elliott resigned last month.

Stoke Nub News asked Khawar Ali, Lauren Davison and Michelle Swift to share a few words about why they are standing in the election and why residents should vote for them.

Here is what they told us:

Khawar Ali (Conservative)

Khawar Ali is the Conservative candidate in the Meir North by-election (Khawar Ali).

"I have always been passionate about creating a sense of community and pride in where you live. It's important to foster good relationships within your local community to help the people and the place become the best versions of themselves.

"When I walk around Meir North, I feel that's lacking and I want to change that.

"I want to ensure that the residents of Meir are listened to, and their priorities are represented at the city council. Priorities such as receiving investment like is seen in other areas, ensuring roads are reported when they fall into disrepair, having good relationships with our local PCSO's so that we are able to be more proactive and prevent small issues becoming big problems.

"By having those good relationships, it would also allow me to be more reactive on residents' behalf when crime does occur within our community.

"I promise to be a good and proactive voice within our community.

"I'm self-employed which allows me to be flexible within my work and be available to residents when they need me and be present within the community.

"I am the very proud father to two wonderful girls who are my world. Raising children has made me strive for more to ensure I can offer things to my girls that I didn't have when growing up.

"I want my girls to live and grow up in a Stoke-on-Trent that they can be proud of, and I want to be a part of making that happen."

Lauren Davison (Labour)

Lauren Davison is the Labour candidate in the Meir North by-election (Lauren Davison).

"I'm standing for Meir North and Broadway because I want to restore pride in our area. I know that Labour will make sure our communities thrive.

"I'm 28, live locally and work with the NHS.

"I've lived under the Tories for over half of my life and I've seen the damage they've caused to our communities. I'm standing in Meir, to stand up for you.

"Here in Stoke-on-Trent, the Conservatives have taken £270million from us since 2010. It's places like Meir who have paid the price.

"The Conservatives and Independents ran the council together for years and have very little to show for it, except a car park in Hanley, fewer services and crumbling roads.

"They've got no plan for Meir - whereas Labour does.

"If elected I will make sure that Meir gets its fair share of Labour's plan - from our £117million investment in council housing, to fixing our roads and potholes, fighting the cost of living crisis and tackling crime. I want to make sure young people in the area get the opportunities they deserve, and the best chance for a better future.

"You've got the chance to send a message to the Government - enough is enough. If you want a Councillor who will be straightforward with you, say it like it is and put Meir first, please vote for me.

"Only a vote for Labour on the 2nd of May will build a better Meir North and Broadway."

Michelle Swift (Independent)

Michelle Swift is an Independent candidate in the Meir North by-election (Michelle Swift).

"I've been proud to serve as the local landlady at Swiftys that relocated in June last year. It has been an honour to build so many relationships, support my community and help so many people since Swiftys opened in 2018.

"I hope people have heard some of the positive stories on how I have impacted the town especially with the founding of Meir Matters.

"Being Independent means that I do not have to be led by any Political Party. My priorities will be bringing the change that Meir and its residents deserves and needs. Meir has potential, it needs regeneration and for the people who live there to be heard.

"I attempted to get elected 12 months ago - I spoke about setting up a food pantry and a one stop shop of support - I didn't get elected but this still happened because I am genuine - I do not stand for a political party - I stand for Meir and the needs of the community.

"The newly formed community hub has been a lifeline for many in the last 12 months - We support 200/300 people week, our services continue to adapt and grow due to the lived experience and knowledge held by myself & the team.

"Meir Matters provides direct access to social prescribers and solutions to problems. Having a local councillor in-house can give the town a bigger voice in addressing and resolving community/resident led issues. We have housing issues, An inability to access services relating to our health, it's endless but a vote for me is a vote for the community."