Five Community campaigners from Unsworth, Whitefield, and Bury will stand as Bury Independents candidates in this year’s Bury Council local elections. The party’s intention is to put people before politics and to represent Bury’s residents in an open, transparent and honest way.
Steve Middleton, Unsworth community campaigner and Leader of Bury Independents, will contest Unsworth ward, aiming to build on his strong 2024 second-place finish. Steve said “I’m delighted to stand once again for my neighbours in Unsworth. Since the last election, I’ve worked hard representing my home town, and I hope residents agree that a local champion with a proven track record, is the best choice to represent them on Bury Council.”
Martyn West will also stand again for Bury Independents in Besses ward. Having secured second place in 2024, he is already well known to many Whitefield residents. Over the past four years, Martyn has spoken with countless local people while campaigning to make National Highways responsible for long‑needed improvements to the Haweswater Underpass as part of the Simister Island motorway project.
Martyn said: “Children were being forced to walk in complete darkness during winter, while the only alternative route added an extra mile. That was unacceptable. Residents living closest to the Simister scheme must be listened to, and environmental impacts properly addressed. This shows Bury Independents can deliver real, practical benefits for local communities alongside nationally significant projects.”
Michael Hankey will stand for Bury Independents in Elton ward. Michael said: “Local people are best served by representatives rooted in their community, not by national party structures. My priority is to secure the best outcomes for residents in Elton and across Bury, by listening carefully to what local people actually want. Too often, party politics has come before local needs. I believe in putting people first, listening, then acting.”
Jill Budgen, who has lived in Bury since the 1970s, is one of the original founding members of Bury Independents and will be standing for the party in Moorside. Jill said “While growing up I lived in the Elton area, in 2019 I moved to the Chesham area of Moorside. I want to help to tackle the rubbish and fly tipping in Moorside and protect our green spaces.”
Elizabeth (Alice) Sugden will be standing as the Bury Independents candidate in Redvales. Alice said, “I am running for council as I want to try and make a change for the residents of Redvales – we deserve better than what we have received.”
Steve added “Bury Independents was formed to give residents the choice to elect leaders from within their own communities, people who work for their communities and represent local interests on Bury Council. We invite anyone who shares our vision for a better-run council to join us. Find out more or get involved at www.buryindependents.com, or follow us at facebook.com/buryindependents ,X.com/BuryIndys and Instagram.com/buryindependents.”
Bury Council’s local elections are due to take place on Thursday 7th May 2026.
