Hertfordshire: Stevenage Bedwell by-election candidate statements

The by-election was called when Baroness Taylor of Stevenage stepped down as a county councillor last month, after she was named as a minister in the new government.

Baroness Taylor, who was leader of Stevenage Borough Council between 2006 and 2022, became a county councillor in 2008.

Ellie Plater (Labour), Balgiisa Ahmed (Green), Janet Bainbridge (Reform UK), Harry Curtis (Conservative) and Riad Mannan (Liberal Democrat) are all standing.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service gave each candidate the opportunity to explain why they should receive your vote.

Balgiisa Ahmed (Green)

My name is Balgiisa, and I’m proud to be running as your Green Party council candidate for Bedwell. Although I’m a recent resident here, Stevenage has quickly become home for me and my partner Sebastiaan.

Balgiisa Ahmed is the Green candidate for Bedwell Division in Stevenage (Image: Green Party)

I work at a university where I educate future lawyers and manage the law department as head of discipline. My background has given me the skills to advocate effectively, pay attention to the finest details, and organise complex projects—all crucial qualities for a councillor.

But beyond my professional life, I am deeply connected to the values that shape our community. Raised as the eldest daughter of a former refugee and cleaner, I learned early the importance of social justice, community support, and sustainability. These principles are at the heart of my campaign.

If elected, I will prioritise active travel by improving walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure, making it safer and more accessible for everyone. I will also advocate for better bus services, ensuring reliable and affordable transport to grow our local economy and keep us connected to each other. Community safety and enhancing biodiversity are also high on my agenda. Together, we can make Stevenage a greener, safer, and more connected community. Your support is essential for bringing these changes to life.

Janet Bainbridge (Reform UK)

Labour and Conservative governments consistently break promise after promise both nationally and locally.

12,646 came over in small boats in the first half of 2024, all of whom seem to have more rights than the British people. We need to address this issue full on.

Janet Bainbridge, Reform UK candidate (Image: Reform UK)

People will not call the police because, if they turn up, the victim is blamed hence crime figures are ‘low reported crime’.

Roads in the town are dreadful – full of potholes and patches. Broken speed humps, zebra crossings and roundabouts have not been maintained and the paint has eroded making them dangerous.

Verges are not maintained and kept trim, making sight lines difficult for drivers.

Footpaths in many areas are incredibly unsafe and the overgrowth of brambles are hazardous, especially for the elderly, especially in Bedwell which is notably the most deprived area of Stevenage.

Following the destruction of parts of London, Stevenage was seen as a breath of fresh air, a new town with green spaces gardens and open space.

Now the town has blocks of drab flats which remain empty, yet the Labour administration continue to push for more tower blocks, one of the very reasons garden cities were created.

Harry Curtis (Conservative)

I have lived in Stevenage all my life and I want to give back to the town which has given me so much.  

Harry Curtis is the Conservative candidate for Bedwell Division in Stevenage (Image: Conservative Party)

Talking to residents, change is needed in Bedwell and Pin Green. Bedwell and Pin Green have been represented by Labour Councillors for decades and people don’t feel their neighbourhoods are any better for having them!

One of my priorities is working with the police and crime commissioner to be tough on crime. The safer streets initiative has been a success in Bedwell with better surveillance and more patrols.

The recent [alleged] murder on Walden End and the stabbing by Asda proves that more needs to be done. I will work with the police to identify crime hotspots and establish a meaningful police presence to cut crime out at its roots, because it’s unfair that residents don’t feel safe in their homes. A safer Bedwell is a better Bedwell.

My other priority is to crackdown on fly tipping. It’s a blight on the local landscape and it’s a crime that hardworking taxpayer’s foot the bill for.

I also want to wage war on potholes. Stevenage Council want to wage war on motorists, I want to make motorists’ lives easier and their tyres last longer by ensuring that every pothole reported to me doesn’t go ignored.

Riad Mannan (Liberal Democrat)

I’ve lived in Hertfordshire with my young family since 2016 and I’m keen to represent the residents of Bedwell to ensure they have the best living experience in the county.

Riad Mannan is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Bedwell Division in Stevenage (Image: Liberal Democrats)

My top policy priorities are to ensure children and adults have access to mental health services, supporting and boosting local businesses and, on the basis that prevention is better that cure, supporting public health initiatives as much as possible.

In my professional role as a conference content producer, I’m involved with bringing people together to work collaboratively with common aims and goals; and this will put me in good stead as a Councillor for Bedwell residents.

To do that, I will be an active Councillor and engage in council meetings, debates and put forward solutions which will have a positive impact on the lives of residents. I’m keen to listen to the concerns of residents, take on-board their cases and work hard to resolve their issues.

If I’m lucky enough to have their vote, my aim is to be very accountable to the electorate and ensure there is constant communication between me and voters, via public consultations, surgeries and street meets.

Ellie Plater (Labour)

Hi, I’m Ellie Plater and I’m proud to be standing as your Labour candidate for the Bedwell County Council By-Election on Thursday 29th August.

Ellie Plater is the Labour candidate for Bedwell Division in Stevenage. (Image: Labour)

I’m so grateful for all the opportunities Stevenage has given me.  I’m raising my daughter here, in the town I’m proud to call home. Like you, I want the best future for my family.

As a veterinary nurse lecturer, I’ve always helped others to achieve their goals. Since I was elected to SBC I’ve loved helping Bedwell residents. But a lot of the issues I meet lie with Herts County Council.

Together with our Labour MP Kevin Bonavia, I can make a real difference. Here are my key policies:

• Launch a pothole survey to identify affected areas and secure funding to fill them.
• Back the government to fill vacancies, secure a mental health specialist in every school and support SEND.
• Support plans to hand control of bus networks to local councils to shape a network designed and led by the community.

I’d be honoured to be your County Councillor. I’m someone you can trust to take action. On Thursday 29th August: Vote Labour. Vote Plater.