The Journal has invited all candidates in the 2023 District Elections to submit a 250-word first-person profile.
Where none has yet been received, we have in some cases used content from the Journal archives or from the candidate’s election leaflets, social media etc.
Bradley Stoke North ward (2 seats)
Drew Clayton (Liberal Democrats)
– No profile available –
What we know: Statement of Persons Nominated lists a home address in Almondsbury.
Thomas Crawley (Reform UK)
– No profile available –
What we know: Statement of Persons Nominated lists a home address in Bradley Stoke.
Terri Cullen (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
Hello my name is Cllr Terri Cullen and I have lived in Bradley Stoke for 32 years and have been a passionate BSTC parish councillor for the last 5, following a successful career in industry. I am an active member of every committee, Planning & Environment, Leisure & Youth and Finance and of course, the Full Council. I volunteer at the AssistPlus drop-ins for Veterans at Jubilee Centre and Patchway One-Stop-Shop.
I ran a successful campaign this year to improve the condition of defibrillators in Bradley Stoke and install a brand new defib at Brook Way Activity Centre. This is now on the national defib grid and proudly sitting waiting hopefully never to be used! McDonalds have also kindly agreed to my request to install a 24/7 defib shortly.
I very much oppose the re-development of the Woodlands Golf Course for housing. I am supportive of house building, including affordable housing, but in the right place, which I don’t feel the Golf Course is. I believe we need to keep local leisure amenities for local people and a housing estate in that location would exacerbate existing issues with traffic and emissions. I am also extremely concerned at the impact the loss of some bus services have had on vulnerable residents in Bradley Stoke and I am working hard on behalf of those residents to make their voices heard and do my best to secure an improved way forward.
Nigel Goldsmith (Labour)
I am Nigel and I am one of the two Labour Candidates standing in Bradley Stoke North. I have worked in widening participation for nearly thirty years, helping young people in the community to reach their full potential in employment, higher education and training. I also run a small media business in the area that regularly provides training and employment opportunities to local people.
I am keen to act on the issues that concern the local residents, particularly when it comes to improving transport in the area.
James Nelson (Green)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I’m James, I’m an 18-year-old student and have lived in this area for most of my life. I’ve seen this town grow and improve year after year, but I’ve also seen this town struggle. I see the anger at Conservative failures here in Bradley Stoke. And I’ve been the victim of many of their failures personally. As someone who relies on the buses, I have experienced time and time again what happens as a result of Conservative underfunding of our bus services. As a young person, I have seen the failure to invest in our youth services and, as a concerned environmentalist, I have seen words never turn into action on climate.
That’s what pushed me to stand for Bradley Stoke Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council as a Green Party candidate. Greens across the country have delivered this kind of change. In Bristol, Greens have helped to secure: liveable neighbourhoods; a more democratic system of governance; and more funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. In South Gloucestershire, we successfully campaigned to stop the disruptive, costly, environmentally damaging and potentially dangerous throughabout scheme on the ring road. In Filton, Green Party Town Councillor Dan Boardman is leading projects to rejuvenate Filton Leisure Centre and get 100 new trees planted in that area.
Greens work for their communities. That’s why if elected I will:
- Stand up for our community every time of year, not just when there’s an election on!
- Push for the council to engage in consistent and visible action on the climate crisis!
- Defend transparency, decency and trust in politics.
So please vote for me on May 4th!
? James Nelson on social media: Facebook; Twitter
Franklin Owusu-Antwi (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I have been a Councillor since 2015 representing Bradley Stoke and Stoke Lodge and The Common and have served on many committees at both Town Council (Planning & Environment, Staffing Committee, Chair of Finance and Leisure and Amenities) and South Glos as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality of opportunity. I am currently the Deputy Mayor of Bradley Stoke and proud to have served for the civic year 2022-2023.
I have helped to deliver value for money services including lower council tax, road resurfacing, protecting our environment, home for local people and ensuring that council-owned car parks remain free to park. I have championed many local development initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, including picking and delivery of prescriptions and food to residents. I helped lead the response to the pandemic at a local level, ensuring Bradley Stoke was one of the first places to set up a vaccine delivery hub.
I have promoted positive equality of opportunity for all. I will continue to ensure that the Town has good bus service, keep road network in top condition and oppose the massive Woodlands development. A veteran of the British Army, I served in Afghanistan as a Combat Logistician in the British Army for 7 years. In 2018 I founded a Bradley Stoke based veteran company which supports veterans and families, ensuring that their views and concerns and that of residents are well represented at SGC. I am passionate to continue to promote both the Towns and District interest.
Sarah Pomfret (Independent)
My name is Sarah Pomfret and I have been your District Cllr now for 16 years and a Bradley Stoke Town Councillor for 8 years. I first moved to the area some 30 years ago and purchased a property in the area, which I still own. Bradley Stoke is a lovely place with so many hidden but magical country walks, streams and valleys. It’s a real pleasure being part of this community.
I am now standing as an Independent Councillor as I have left the Conservatives due to what I see happening locally within the Party.
I have personally worked tirelessly to see that residents benefit from what a District Councillor can bring to our area including the Skate Park, the Jubilee Green, a new Parish for Stoke Lodge and The Common, new zebra crossings, Road and Pavement improvements both major and minor and helping many community groups apply for well-deserved grants.
I am currently Chair of Health Scrutiny and have also been on one of the planning committees for 16 years as well as time on many other committees including the Fire Authority.
There is a constant battle to ensure that Roads are repaired keeping a good flow of traffic in and around Bradley Stoke whilst minimising the risks to cyclists and pedestrians. I have the time and the experience to ensure residents needs are heard. Unlike many Councillors, being your Councillor is my full-time job. I wish to continue to serve you, please vote for me.
Ges Rosenberg (Labour)
As a Chair of Governors, I supported parents and teachers to secure their preferred outcome – bringing Winterbourne Academy into the local Olympus Trust. Prior to that, I initiated the project to build a new primary school on the vacated Frenchay hospital site, successfully making the case to the Council. I have a background in business, and as a Company Director I helped grow a spin-out, high-tech business that created 100+ good jobs. I now works as a researcher in a local University where I investigate how we can improve cities to make them fairer and greener. Working at a University I am also passionate about education and skills, and making sure we equip young people to flourish in the workplaces of the future.
I believe our Council can be much more effective. It can do more to make our neighbourhoods healthier places to live, better for walking and cycling. It should also be pushing for better public transport, with more frequent and reliable bus services. I am also aware of the desperate need for affordable homes, and that plans for new housing must include community infrastructure such as local dentist, doctors, local shops and schools.
As a Councillor I will challenge our Council to be better at listening to its residents, to improve the decisions it makes and the services it runs, and to support people – especially those on low incomes – throughout the cost of living crisis.
Wendy Tomasin (Liberal Democrats)
– No profile available –
What we know: Statement of Persons Nominated lists a home address in Yate.
Bradley Stoke South ward (2 seats)
Roger Avenin (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I am Roger Avenin and have I believe fought the good fight on behalf of Bradley Stoke for the last 8 years on South Glos Council and for 15 years on Bradley Stoke Town Council.
Coming from a finance background I am acutely aware of the financial pressures that residents face and through BS conservatives we have managed to keep the Town Council Precept to very low levels. In fact in the last 17 years there have been only 3 minor increases. Contrast this with Labour run neighbouring wards such as Filton and Patchway where this element is much higher.
On South Glos Council I sit on Planning and Regulatory Committees.
In other activities I have and will continue to campaign against the possibility of building 2000+ houses on Woodlands Golf Course and the traffic chaos that this would bring. I have stood with residents against McDonalds/Starbucks which was unfortunately lost on appeal, I have campaigned on various road safety issues, have supported the expansion of Baileys Court Primary school, have supported the upgrading of Baileys Court children’s playground, and strongly supported a new build storage facility for our Scouts at Brook Way. I am also a staunch defender of our wildlife areas in particular the 3 Brooks Nature Reserve. These are just of the few activities amongst many others I have been involved in over the years.
If re-elected I will continue to represent the residents of the town to the best of my abilities. Don’t forget that I live here too.
John Bradbury (Labour)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I’m John Bradbury and I have lived with my family in Bradley Stoke for over 17 years. My four children grew up here and attended local nurseries, and schools in Stoke Gifford and Winterbourne. I’m seeking election to work for a fairer society, with better respect for our environment and for each other. I’m now retired, so I have time to make our town a better place. I’m a keen cyclist so I’d like to see better road safety in the town, more respect for our environment and for one another: We all live here, so I want to work to make it even better.
I’ve previously had a career in publishing both employed and as a self-employed freelance, and ran my own publishing company, so I know how managing money is Important and I can bring those business skills to bear as a town and district councillor. I’m no stranger to public administration and local government either, having covered the sector earlier in my career. I truly believe Bradley Stoke needs a better voice, and a fresh pair of eyes to provide scrutiny on the town and district council business.
Voting for Labour will bring a more caring approach to our community, and I promise to work hard to fulfil our pledges; improving housing, improving communities and local democracy, improving services for children and young people, and providing better health and social care.
Alan Moller (Liberal Democrats)
– No profile available –
What we know: Statement of Persons Nominated lists a home address in Old Down.
Ben Randles (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
For over 9 years, I have had the pleasure of sitting on Bradley Stoke Town Council and serving you; our community. Being on the Council is something I enjoy a great deal, where I have a near perfect attendance record for the 9 years, I have represented you on the Parish. I now hope with your support, I can bring the same level of professionalism and dedication to representing the Bradley Stoke South Ward on South Gloucestershire Council too. I’ve used my current position to support countless community ideas and projects – a key principle I strive for is providing the right tools and support to enable others to be successful. I am determined to keep council tax as low as possible, as any money a council spends is yours, we must not spend above our means and always remember it is public money we spend. In my time on the parish, we have actively lobbied large organisations to improve and maintain the quality of life for all in Bradley Stoke, successfully punching above our weight on several occasions. If re-elected to parish and elected to South Gloucestershire Council, I want to continue in this line of public service which I find very rewarding, interesting and care about. In my free time, I enjoy some running and walking the dogs through the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, it keeps me active, and it is a great way to see what is happening around our town.
Guy Rawlinson (Liberal Democrats)
– No profile available –
What we know: Statement of Persons Nominated lists a home address in Thornbury.
Kulwinder Sappal (Labour and Co-operative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I’m Kulwinder Singh SAPPAL and I am honoured to have been selected as a labour party candidate for Bradley Stoke South. I am an engineer by profession having worked for Fujifilm, BOC, Airbus, Bombardier and EADS Astrium over a 30 year period after completing my apprenticeship and BEng (Hons) in London.
I have lived in Bradley Stoke for 22 years and this has given me a unique perspective on how I can help improve the lives of local residents. Being heard and making a difference to local communities is what got me interested in politics. I think the most important issues around here at the moment is transport, whether it is traffic affecting drivers due to road works or First bus affecting commuters by cutting some bus routes. I would work hand in hand with Dan Norris (Mayor of the West of England) and WECA to ensure that road works and bus timetables are communicated and agreed in advance.
Making a tangible difference in the community and being able to resolve people’s problems gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I believe that our public services such as schools, NHS, transport, parks, libraries, leisure centres and community centres should be sufficiently funded. Any cuts in funding impacts individuals and communities in a very negative way and we should all fight against the cuts.
In my spare time I am involved in cricket and volunteer on a regular basis as a coach, umpire and general helper at local and national events.
Stoke Gifford ward (3 seats)
David Addison (Labour)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I’ve lived in Stoke Gifford since 2004 and worked here since 1999. In 2012, I became chair of the Stoke Gifford Trust, a charity managing the North Road playing field. Later in that year, I was co-opted onto the Parish Council. I’m currently finishing my second term as a Parish Councillor and would like the opportunities both to continue on the Parish Council and to represent Stoke Gifford on South Gloucestershire Council.
As a Parish councillor, I’ve chaired the Finance committee and helped to provide high quality services maintaining the green spaces and community facilities in the parish, whilst maintaining the precept at a reasonable level for local residents.
I would endeavour to continue this approach if elected, to South Gloucestershire council treating affordable housing and effective public transport as priorities.
Keith Cranney (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and parish/town elections.
My name is Keith Cranney and I have been living in this neighbourhood for over 40 years. I am married with 2 grown-up sons. I started working as a local government officer in 1974. After retirement, I was elected to the South Gloucestershire Council in May 2003 and became chairman of the Regulatory Committee of the Council. Residents put their trust continuously in me and I was re-elected in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 as part of the Conservatives Panel.
I am currently Chairman of the Licensing sub-committee and the Stoke Gifford Community Engagement Forum, and a Member of the Avon Fire Authority and the Development Control Planning Committee of the Council. I am also a parish councillor in Stoke Gifford since 2003 and a Bradley Stoke Town Councillor since 2007. I chaired the Stoke Gifford Parish Council and the Bradley Stoke Planning and Environment Committee for years.
As a retired Local Government Officer, I brought experience and knowledge to the table. I have always given priority to the community. I have been attending and resolving many community issues during the last 20 years as a councillor. All my constituents are happy with my service, which gives me much gratification. I am standing as a Conservative candidate for the Bradley Stoke Town Council from Stoke Brook Ward as well as for the District Council from Stoke Gifford. I wish to pursue my services for the benefit of the community. Please vote for me and our team.
Neel Das Gupta (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and parish elections.
I live in Fabian Drive in Stoke Gifford with my wife and 3 year old son.
I want to directly contribute in making Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke and Harry Stoke a better place to live, should the local residents give me an opportunity to represent them, by electing me as their District and Parish Councillor on 4th May 2023.
I am impassioned about serving the local residents of Stoke Gifford, by improving local schools, roads, transportation, infrastructure and parks.
I believe in contributing towards the welfare of the local community. For the past 6 years I have been voluntarily supporting and leading various non-profitable free events in Bristol promoting cultural cohesion and inclusivity.
I have worked in South Gloucestershire for 10 years. I have an Engineering Degree in Electronics and Masters in Business Administration & Leadership.
Tony Griffiths (Conservative)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and parish/town elections.
– No profile available for Stoke Gifford –
What we know: Home address in Bradley Stoke. Currently a member of Bradley Stoke Town Council (seeking re-election). Also seeking election to Stoke Gifford Parish Council.
See: Candidate profile for Bradley Stoke town election (BSJ)
Daniel Harris (Labour Party)
Hello, my name’s Dan Harris, it’s an honour to be given a chance to represent Stoke Gifford in the upcoming elections, I’ve been a member of Labour in Filton for roughly 3 years now, and live close to the boundary with Stoke Gifford.
Stoke Gifford is an area I’m familiar with, I have ties to the area, having attended St Michael’s Primary school, and can often be found in the area, doing my job as a home delivery driver for Asda.
If elected, I will be a visible, accountable Councillor, listening to people’s concerns, and doing my utmost to help them. I intend to help out the local schools and nurseries, fulfilling Labour’s pledge that every primary school has a lunch club, so children can eat. I’d offer to accompany the local beat team regularly, seeing first hand how they tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
I will work with the other two people chosen to represent this ward, to hold regular surgeries, so people feel they can approach us with their concerns, and if for whatever reason someone can’t come to the surgery, but still wishes to meet us, I will go to them, so they’re not left out.
Please vote for me, to make an actual difference to your local community.
Thank you.
Brian Mead (Labour)
I work locally as a civil servant and live in Stoke Gifford. I have lived in either North Bristol or South Gloucestershire all my life. I am Secretary of Bristol Speedway Supporters Club and have been involved in organising charity fundraising events for several years. I’m a committed trade unionist and a member of the Regional Political Committee of UNITE the Union. I am standing as a Labour & Co-operative candidate. If elected, I’m look forward to going around the parish finding out the views and concerns of the residents so I can represent them to the council.
Kimberley Stansfield (Liberal Democrats)
I grew up in South Gloucestershire and live in Stoke Gifford while working at the University of the West of England as a librarian. I spend every day listening to and working with students to help them achieve their potential and believe these skills I’ve developed are essential to being a great councillor.
My colleagues and I are running to be your councillors because we believe more consultation with our local community is needed. The most important aspect of being a councillor is being a local representative that listens and responds to those who elect them. I would ensure that decisions are made with the residents of Stoke Gifford rather than imposed upon you.
I’m passionate about improving public transport so we can get people out of cars, ease congestion on our busy roads and combat the Climate Emergency. We need to work on green alternatives to get around and encourage walking and cycling in the area, improving the infrastructure to enable this. Safer pedestrian routes are needed including having more regular road and pavement maintenance.
We would offer support to people to combat the cost-of-living crisis and support affordable sustainable housing that improves and adds to the local community. The council needs to work with the developers to ensure truly local schools, community centres and public spaces are provided. I would endeavour to work towards this and make Stoke Gifford an even better place to live.
Karl Tomasin (Liberal Democrats)
I moved from Somerset over 30 years ago and I’m married with 3 grown up children. I work nights in a warehouse at Emersons Green so will be around during the day to speak to residents.
I am currently chair of the local Lib Dem branch and have been a parish councillor for the past 8 years enjoying every minute of it.
I have been the Chair of Governors at Little Stoke Primary school and found it really rewarding supporting the children’s education.
Like my 2 colleagues I want to make sure all parts of Stoke Gifford get their fair share of resources from South Gloucestershire Council. I know certain parts of the area suffer from parking problems and if elected my colleagues and I will talk to and listen to residents to see where the problems are, what people think should happen and then after meaningful consultation fight to get the solution implemented.
The new Sort It Centre needs to be built to support the growing local population and so we are not the poor relation to other parts of South Gloucestershire. In addition we need to sort out the problems at the bridge at Parkway Station. The pavements are too narrow and it is time a pedestrian tunnel is provided to make it safer.
With all the house building going on locally I will be using my influence to promote the development of Zero Carbon Homes in line with our Climate Emergency declaration.
Jon Williams (Liberal Democrat)
Note: This candidate is standing in both the district and town elections.
I am now retired after working for 41 years with Bristol City Council. My wife and I moved to Stoke Gifford from Bradley Stoke back in 2020. Both our daughters live locally and we have 2 grandchildren one goes to Baileys Court School and other goes to Busy Bees nursery.
I have had previous experience on both South Gloucestershire Council and Bradley Stoke Town Council so I know the ropes and how to get things done.
I also volunteer for the Police at Patchway Custody Suite where I go to talk to the detainees and make sure their welfare is being supported.
Too many times things happen in our area without anyone asking the residents if it’s a good idea. Under this council consultation and listening are forgotten words and so my colleagues and I will listen and consult with you in a meaningful way and respond to any communication to us within 5 days.
If I am elected at the forthcoming elections I will use my time to ensure that all parts of Stoke Gifford get their fair share of resources from the council particularly the new Sort It Centre we were promised 3 years ago, the proposed community building at Brookland Park, more road surfacing to prevent more damage to our vehicles and I will campaign for more reliable, affordable and greener buses for our area.