Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates

Voters in Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe will go to the polls on Thursday 6th August to elect a new Kidsgrove Town Councillor. Ahead of polling day, The Signal invited every candidate to introduce themselves, outline the issues that matter most locally and explain why they are standing.

Residents across Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe will cast their votes on Thursday 6th August in a by-election to elect a new member of Kidsgrove Town Council.

The vacancy arose after Olivia Westcott failed to sign the formal declaration of acceptance of office within the legal time limit, resulting in her seat becoming vacant. We previously reported on the circumstances surrounding that decision in an earlier article on The Staffordshire Signal, which can be viewed here.

Four candidates are standing for election:

• Angela Cooper (Labour Party)
• Cressida Dickens (Conservative Party)
• Georgia Shenton (Independent)
• Olivia Westcott (Reform UK)

We contacted all four candidates with the same opportunity to introduce themselves to readers, explain what matters most to them in Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe, and outline what they would seek to achieve if elected.

Responses were received from Angela Cooper, Georgia Shenton and Olivia Westcott before our publication deadline. Their responses are published below.

Angela Cooper (Labour Party)

"My childhood home was near Bathpool, and Kidsgrove has been my home since the 1980s. Kidsgrove is part of who I am - we raised our children here and my grandfathers were colliers at Jamage and Parkhouse. I know this town, understand the challenges and have the experience to serve residents well.

I served as Mayor of Kidsgrove for two years through the COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted quickly, kept essential services running and supported our community through an exceptionally difficult period. I am also a retired Senior NHS Matron and former company director, with experience of working under pressure and delivering for people when it matters most.

I believe councillors should be focused on serving our community, not triggering unnecessary and costly by-elections that waste public money.

Over the past few weeks, I've spoken to hundreds of local residents, and those conversations have helped shape my priorities.

I share residents' anger about the delays, cutbacks and broken promises surrounding Town Deal projects. Kidsgrove deserves delivery on what was promised.

I'm also determined to tackle the issues residents raise time and again: the poor state of our roads, the lack of investment in playgrounds, the neglect of our parks, antisocial behaviour in the town centre, and the scourge of off-road bikes making people feel unsafe outdoors and vandalising our parks and pathways.

I also believe Kidsgrove needs its Post Office back in the town centre as soon as possible. I will continue to support every effort to make that happen.

If elected, I'd roll up my sleeves and get on with the job, just as I've always done. I'd work with the Mayor and fellow councillors to deliver Labour's pledges and make sure Kidsgrove has a strong voice as we move towards a new unitary council through devolution.

I'd help return the Town Council to accredited status, make sure every penny of taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and focus on delivering projects and getting results.

I'm calm under pressure, practical and experienced. I'll work hard, be easy to reach, listen to residents and always do my best for Kidsgrove.

I'll also stand up for Kidsgrove by holding the Borough and County Councils to account and ensuring our town gets its fair share of funding, investment and services."

Georgia Shenton (Independent)

"I'm Georgia Shenton. I'm 54, born in Stoke-on-Trent, and proud to have called Kidsgrove home for the past 15 years. My children go to school here, and one has SEND needs, so I understand first-hand what it means when local services let families down. Over the years I've been a governor at a special needs school and volunteered at theatres and charities, giving my time freely to causes that matter to our community. I'm standing as an Independent because I'm not here for a party or a career. I'm here for us, because I live here too. No party lines, no political games, just straight-talking, community-first representation.

The everyday issues that affect local families matter most to me: our parks and green spaces, the state of our roads and pavements, and a town centre we can all feel proud and safe in. I want children to feel safe in our parks and shoppers to feel welcome on our high street, with thriving businesses rather than empty shop fronts. I also care deeply about how our money is spent, including the Town Deal funding, and about protecting our green spaces by developing brownfield sites first. Above all, I believe residents deserve a Council that is honest, transparent and genuinely puts the community first.

I'd bring the same honest, hardworking approach that our Independent councillors Ray Williams and Gordon Davies have shown, proving you don't need a party whip to serve with integrity. My priorities would be making the Town Deal work for residents by championing the projects local people actually want; fighting for real investment in our parks, pavements and roads; protecting our green spaces; and building a stronger community through events like Party in the Park and the Kidsgrove Carnival, and exploring the return of Kidsgrove Market.

I'd also hold regular community meetings so residents' voices are always heard, and champion accountability and transparency at every turn. Kidsgrove, put your trust in me and I'll put you first, every single time."

Olivia Westcott (Reform UK)

"I'm Olivia Westcott, a 21-year-old university student who has lived in Kidsgrove all my life. I went to school here, worked locally, and I'm proud to call Kidsgrove home. Since being elected as one of your Borough Councillors, I've worked hard to support residents, report local issues and get involved in the community. I've taken part in litter picks, helped clear neglected alleyways, and worked alongside local volunteers because I believe councillors should be visible, approachable, and prepared to lead by example.

What matters most to me is restoring pride in our community and making sure local people feel listened to. Residents want clean streets, well maintained public spaces and councillors who are accessible and willing to act on the issues that affect everyday life. I also believe it's important to support local groups, encourage community spirit and make sure taxpayers' money is spent responsibly so it delivers real benefits for residents.

If elected, I'd continue working closely with residents and community groups to improve our local area. I'd be an active and visible Town Councillor, listening to concerns, supporting local events, and helping deliver practical improvements that make a real difference. I want to build on the work I've already started as a Borough Councillor and work constructively with others to make Kidsgrove an even better place to live."

The Staffordshire Signal also invited Cressida Dickens (Conservative Party) to contribute to this feature via all available contact methods. No response was received before the publication deadline.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 6th August, with the result expected to be declared shortly after the count concludes.