Local elections 2021: All you need to know about Gedling candidates and how to vote in the election on May 6

On Thursday, May 6, people across Gedling borough will head to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Nottinghamshire County Council.

Elections for the council take place every four years and all 70 seats will be contested across the county.

People visiting polling stations will be asked to wear a mask – unless they have a valid exemption, take along their own pen or pencil and adhere to social distancing.

Councillors on Nottinghamshire County Council are responsible for making decisions on running services in Gedling borough, which include education, transport, planning, parks, leisure, fire and public safety, social care and waste management.

Who was elected on to Nottinghamshire County Council following the 2017 election?

Arnold North

Pauline Allan (Labour)
Michael Payne (Labour

Arnold South

John Clarke (Labour)
Muriel Weisz (Labour)

Calverton

Boyd Elliott (Conservative)

Carlton East

Nicki Brooks (Labour)

Carlton West

Jim Creamer (Labour)
Errol Henry (Labour)

Newstead

Chris Barnfarther (Conservative)

Who is standing for election on May 6?

Arnold North

Pauline Allan (Labour)
Stuart Bestwick (Conservative)
Kevin Doyle (Conservative)
Tadeusz Jone (Liberal Democrat)
Paul Key (Independent)
Jim Norris (Green Party)
Michael Payne (Labour)
Jason Stansfield (Liberal Democrats)
Don Strickland ( Independent)

Arnold South

John Clake (Labour)
Andrew Ellwood (Liberal Democrat)
Michel Flor-Henry (Conservative)
Helen Greensmith (Conservative)
Jim Stuart (Green Party)
Robert Swift (Liberal Democrat)
Michelle Welsh (Labour)

Calverton

Richard Blinstone (Green Party)
Maggie Dunkin (Liberal Democrat)
Boyd Elliott (Conservatives)
Mike Hope (Independent)
Sabbir Hossain (Labour)

Carlton East

Mike Adams (Conservative)
Nicki Brooks (Labour & Co-Operative Party)
John Flynn (Liberal Democrat)
Paul Manington (Green Party)

Carlton West

Ged Clarke (Conservative)
Jim Creamer (Labour)
Andrew Dunkin (Carlton)
Charlie Godwin (Gedling)
Errol Henry (Labour)
Paul Hughes (Liberal Democrat)
Rosey Palmer (Green Party)

Newstead

Chris Barnfather (Conservative)
Matthew Spurr (Labour)
John Sutherland (Ravenshead)
Barbara Vince (Green Party)

Will my normal polling station be in use?

Make sure you check the location of your polling station before setting off as you may need to go to a different place to vote this year. You can check this on your poll card or at wheredoivote.co.uk You must vote at your polling station – you cannot vote at another station.

Will much be different in my polling station due to Covid-19?

• You must not attend the polling station if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to self-isolate due to a positive test or contact tracing. You can still cast your vote by applying for an emergency proxy before 5pm.
• A face covering must be worn inside the polling station unless you are exempt.
• Please bring a pen or pencil to mark the ballot paper. Pencils will also be available in the polling station and will be sanitized after each use.
• There will be restrictions on the number of voters admitted to a station at any one time.
• Social distancing will be enforced while queuing and throughout the voting process. Please adhere to any one-way systems, floor markings, signage, and any instructions from polling station staff.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry and exit of the polling station. Voting booths, pencils, door handles and frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned regularly.
• There will be a clear perspex screen to protect staff and voters at each voting table

These measures may mean you have to queue or wait for longer than usual to be able to cast your vote. Try to avoid busy times if you can, like before and after work, after the school run and lunchtime.

Gedling Eye will be covering the local election throughout the weeks leading up to May 6 and also be covering the results as they happen on Friday, May 7.