Here’s the candidate profile for Adrian Holmes, who is standing in the May 2023 elections. All candidates were asked ten core questions; then, there were specific questions depending on whether candidates were existing councillors or not.
All answers appear unedited, apart from maybe tweaks to formatting, as sent through by the candidates.
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- Candidate Name: Adrian Holmes
- Party: Labour Party
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Walton South
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Core Candidate Questions
- Do you live in Stone and within the ward(s) you’re standing in? If not, what is your motivation for standing in Stone and not your own ward?
I have lived in the South Walton ward in Stone for over 30 years.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs etc? If so, in what capacity?
Not currently.
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
I will bring experience as a former member of Stone Town Council and former Chair of its Leisure and Recreation Committee, which will stand me in good stead to be a strong representative voice for the concerns of individual residents, businesses and Stone as a whole.
- How do you plan to engage with and represent the interests of all members of the Stone community, including those from diverse backgrounds or differing opinions?
By actively listening to all views and opinions and responding promptly to concerns and queries in an open and honest manner.
- What do you think are the most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
There are a number of challenges that a rural town like Stone faces with the closure of some businesses in the high street; pressure on local services due to significant increases in local housebuilding and construction, including HS2; the resulting loss of greenfield sites; and local transport issues.
I would work actively with other interested parties to help to attract new businesses into Stone town centre; ensure the provision of affordable and sustainable public transport; improve and strengthen local facilities and amenities; and promote the provision of greener and environmentally friendly local services, including reduction in the dumping of sewage into the River Trent.
- How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
By working to ensure that Stone is an attractive town where residents and visitors wish to come and spend time enjoying the local amenities. This includes fully supporting current High Street events, including the Farmers’ Market and other entertainments, whilst also engaging with landlords and businesses as to the causes of recent business closures and what could be done to try and reverse this trend.
- How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
By engaging constructively and positively with fellow councillors from all parties and backgrounds to work for the best interests of Stone. However, I would be able to hold the majority Independent political grouping to account.
- How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
With limited financial resources available, it is essential that priorities are set that are based on equity and need and by ensuring that under-represented groups and residents are fully listened to and do not lose out to those with vested interests and the loudest voices.
- What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
This is of vital importance and one that demands a whole-town, joined-up response to make us a town proud of its response to these issues. We must do more to address littering, river pollution, the impact of planning decisions on the local environment, and have a clear plan for a greener, more sustainable future.
- How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
Having previous experience as a Stone Town Councillor and school governor, I am aware of the significant time commitment required and the need to prioritise this.
Candidate-Specific Questions.
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Responsible, loyal, value-driven, passionate, dependable.
- As you’re passionate about local politics and issues, have you previously made a public representation to the council about an issue that needs addressing? If so, what was the issue and how did the council handle it?
I have addressed the Town Council concerning the need to improve recreational facilities for young people in and around Stone. The Council accepted that this was an important issue, but little noticeable action has taken place.
- How does being affiliated with a national party benefit you being a councillor at a local level? How do you respond to the criticism that you have to toe a party line and vote with your peers?
The Labour Party is committed to providing help with the cost of living crisis; providing Council-owned affordable housing; helping safeguard public transport; regenerating town centres and supporting local businesses; providing cost effective and ‘greener’ services; and supporting local councillors and communities in achieving these goals at local level. Having ‘to toe a party line’ is very rarely ever an issue in local politics and is – I would suggest – totally irrelevant.
- What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
That I will use my love of the town to work as hard as possible to make sure Stone becomes an increasingly thriving and attractive place in which to live and work.
