Last Friday (May 5, 2023) new councillors were elected across the county with Gedling Borough’s council remaining largely red.
We spoke to those who held and gained seats about their plans and what changes need to occur before the next general election.
Tom Randall, Conservative MP for Gedling, talking at 1:30pm said: “I am quite nervous about the Trent Valley results so we will wait and see.
“It’s not been a great set of results for the party.”
Despite his worries Mike Adams and Sam Smith were re-elected as the Trent Valley councillors.
Councillor Sam Smith said: “With the national trend I was nervous.
“Getting re-elected with more votes proves if you work hard it will deliver and your local residents will reward you.”
Councillor Mike Adams added: “I wasn’t sure if we would both get in.
“We come at things from slightly different angles and that makes us an effective team.”
“We have gained a seat and taken a seat back and put ourselves on nine in conservative colours.”
They discussed their dedication to continuing to protect the green belt.
Cllr Smith also said: “Gedling Borough Council have spent £150,000 on commercial product.
“That could have stopped two council tax rises.
“And we will be holding them to account.”
Labour Party candidates also celebrated their successes and explained how they plan to help their local community.
Councillor Michael Payne was re-elected as Redhill ward’s councillor alongside Katherine Fox.
Cllr Payne said: “We earn people’s trust; we listen and at the moment we know it’s difficult.
“Bills are very very high.
“This is the result we needed and we as a council will do everything we can, but we can’t make the change we need.
“It is a good set of results across the country and as a party we will continue to fight.
“So many people in this election process have said to me it’s time for change.”
His husband, Councillor Kyle Robinson-Payne, was elected for Daybrook ward and will stand with Councillor Sandra Barnes, taking over from Peter Barnes.
Cllr Robinson-Payne said: “I know I have big shoes to fill.
“It is an honour to stand with Sandra.
“I just feel fabulous.
“Being younger one thing I’m particularly up on is that we need more activities for younger people.”
He too believes wider change across the country is needed to exit the financial state the United Kingdom is in.
He said: “Everything is broken, people can’t get to the doctor or afford bills.”
As well as discussing their plans many councillors shared their experiences in the election process.
Councillor Boyd Elliot was re-elected for Calverton ward and alongside fellow conservative Councillor Martin Smith conveyed his relief.
However, he said: “I got to the polling station at 6:50pm yesterday and by then I had 413 messages which was lovely.
“But one chap outside gave me abuse, and that had more of an impact.”
Councillor Martin Smith added: “We (the Conservatives) may be small in size, but we will speak louder than our numbers indicate.”
Councillors Paul Hughes and Andrew Dunkin also asserted this message, as the Liberal Democrat representatives for Cavendish.
Councillor Dunkin said: “It is sad to say we are used to this.
“But we can have a big impact.”
Tom Randall MP agreed with many of what the newly elected councillors addressed and said: “We have had a difficult couple of years.
“I think the main thing is getting inflation down and sorting the economy.”
