Below is the candidate profile for Tracey Lindop, the Labour Party candidate for the Staffordshire County Council Stone Urban seat.
This profile has been added to our Candidate Profiles page on our 2021 election hub – click here to see more candidate profiles.
Answers to the questions aren’t edited, other than for formating, and are therefore the candidates own words.
In your own words tell our readers about yourself
I was born in Stoke-on-Trent and my family moved to Stone 20 years ago. I spent quite a few years living in other areas of the country as my husband was in the Royal Marines for 23 years, but we have always considered Stone as our home and came back to live here permanently in 2016. I work for an environmental wildlife charity and was previously a primary school teacher for 17 years. It’s fair to say I am a massive animal lover and protecting our pets and other animals has been a passion for as long as I can remember. I also worked for 6 years, for a primate rescue and rehabilitation charity. I have had lots of different life and work experiences and I think this gives me the ability to communicate with all age groups and with people from all walks of life.
What’s your personal statement about why you’re standing and what you want to achieve over the term if elected?
I am passionate about the need to address the climate and biodiversity crisis and how the town can benefit from a cleaner and greener environment. I am committed to creating partnerships and seeking the funding and policies to facilitate the change that is urgently needed for the benefit of Stone and its residents. When we create a healthy natural environment, we create an environment where our own wellbeing can thrive.
I will work to improve recycling, reduce the use of single-use plastics, get electrical charging points installed and enhance green space with rewilding, tree planting and other environmental initiatives.
I will aim to get our High Street funding improved and seek to get more public money invested in our economy and in the green economy.
As a resident, I am acutely aware of the issues facing Stone and the need to support our businesses, communities and individuals in a post Covid environment. The pandemic has shown the value of community networks, the NHS, schools, local businesses, emergency services, public sector services and local green space. I will work to ensure our services are protected and the Labour group will invest public money to ensure more wealth remains in our community and provide a louder voice to residents, so that no one, especially no child, is left behind.
I fully support the Stone Neighbourhood Plan and will use it imaginatively to protect and improve our town.
I play an active part in the local community and would seek to build on the wonderful community spirit that already exists. As a councillor I would listen, act and reply to concerns, working with the community for the community.
How does standing as a political party candidate affect serving local people on local issues?
I am a local person and will serve local people on local issues because that is my first concern and why I am standing in the election. I believe Stone needs better representation and strength in numbers, working with other Labour councillors across the county and using that knowledge to get the best for Stone.
Do you live in the area you’re standing for, if not what’s your link to Stone and your reason for standing in this area and not your own?
Yes I live in Walton, Stone.
What’s been your history as a political councillor?
I have never been a councillor before but I am politically active locally and work for positive changes in our community with groups and individuals across the political spectrum. I think I have experience and maturity to take on the role effectively.
Apart from family commitments what other commitments do you have on your time? This could be work, business, voluntary or community roles – if these are linked to organisations in Stone then please mention it.
As mentioned I do have a day job. I also run the litter group Stone and Walton Against Plastic Pollution and Plastic Free Stone. I am also co-opted onto Stone Town Council’s Plastic Free Committee working group.
What are the top 5 issues that you think affect the residents of Stone currently have?
- Post pandemic recovery
This affects all sections of our community and our High Street.
- Preserving our green spaces
For nature, recreation and physical and mental wellbeing, we need a climate change policy that improves our lives.
- Crime, antisocial behaviour and littering
We need a focused, joined up approach from all agencies and more police and community officers to enable Stone residents to feel safer in their homes and communities.
- Health Services and Social Care
Access to medical services as the population grows in our town and social care provision for the elderly and vulnerable.
- The lack of provision of facilities for our young people
Youth funding has been cut severely over the last 10 years and our young people need support in many areas of their lives, from education, social activities, transport and employment.
How will you keep in touch with your constituents’ concerns?
One of the things local people find frustrating is not receiving replies to questions raised. I will ensure that I feed back regularly to the community. There will be plenty of ways to contact me via email, social media and in person, as the Covid rules will allow, such as coffee mornings or joining in with one of my litter picking events. I will facilitate ways of communicating with other bodies and organisations involved in our community. I aim to make it as easy as possible to get in touch with me.
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