Meet the candidate: Adele Cook

On Thursday, 7 May, Ipswich residents will head to the polls for two local elections on the same day — one for Ipswich Borough Council, the other for Suffolk County Council. Adele Cook is standing for the Labour and Co-operative Party in the St Clement's division, contesting one of 12 county council seats up for election across Ipswich.

As an apolitical publication, we sent every candidate standing in the town the same five questions, and we're publishing every response in full, without editing, so that residents can hear directly from the people asking for their vote. No candidate receives more or less prominence than any other. This is what Adele told us.

Tell us a bit about yourself — who are you, what's your connection to your ward/division, and why do you want to become a councillor?

I have lived in St Clement's division for 26 years. My daughter attended Clifford Road Primary School and Copleston High School, where both of my granddaughters are now pupils.

I have always felt part of the community here, from casual meetings while walking the dog to the amazing events held in Alexandra Park. I met so many people from different walks of life while my husband, John, was Mayor of Ipswich.

I have worked in the public sector for most of my working life, serving my community as a prosecutor. Being a councillor is an opportunity to give back to the community, using my skills and experience to help and represent people, often in difficult situations.

What are the three biggest issues facing your ward/division right now, and what would you do about them if elected?

Roads are a massive issue. Keeping traffic moving, with a new Northern Bypass, is vital for our Town's future. The pothole epidemic on our roads is an absolute menace, with short-sighted agreements making money for contractors while millimetres are denied reparation. This has to be challenged, and a better deal secured for our Town. Adult social care needs to work better. Management of minor admin issues makes life, at a difficult time, so much harder. This can and must change. Education opens doors for our children, and every child must have the opportunities and support to encourage learning and build confidence. Too many children are failing due to the constraints of the system. Special Educational Needs have increased post-pandemic. Our children and families need help and support now. Creating the best future for our children is something I am committed to.

Suffolk is in the middle of significant change — from the local government reorganisation creating new unitary authorities to ongoing pressures on housing, transport and public services. What's your view on how these changes should be handled, and what role do you see a local councillor playing?

LGR is a challenge, but a massive opportunity. Done well, Local Government Reorganisation will simplify life for Suffolk residents. It will provide a "One Stop Shop" for all our Local Authority needs, without trying to work out who deals with what and what number to call. With services under one roof, the new authority, with spending decisions made closer to the people affected by them, will enable fairer distribution of resources. A strong council needs councillors who will represent residents, ask challenging questions and read the small print. This is the biggest change to the way our Town and County are run in over 40 years. We need to get this right now, for all our futures.

What do you consider your most significant personal, professional or community achievement — and what does it tell voters about how you'd approach the role?

In 1999, with no A-levels, I qualified as a barrister. Talking my way into university, I graduated top of the 3-year law degree course. This changed my life and opened the door to a career spanning 27 years of public service. Working primarily in Ipswich, I dealt with domestic abuse, drug offences, knife crime, organised crime and serious sexual offences. I have worked to get justice for individuals, their families and the community.

Becoming a barrister was a tough professional goal. I made it with the support and encouragement of good people. In return, I have supported many people to help them achieve their goals.

Elected at a by-election in April 2025, my biggest achievement was supporting a family to secure a place in a Special Unit for a child with special educational needs. I never give up, in my personal or professional life, and this is what I will bring to the role of a councillor if elected.

If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to residents in your ward/division? How can people contact you now, and how do you plan to keep in touch if you win?

I am available via email and phone. I will meet with residents and community groups. I would like to know what works best for those I represent. I will provide updates on what I am doing and seek residents' views on the issues that impact them. I can be contacted through my County Council email at adele.cook@suffolk.gov.uk.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in St Clement's — and across the rest of Ipswich? We're publishing every response we receive in full.

Polling stations open at 07:00 and close at 22:00 on Thursday, 7 May, with results expected on Friday, 8 May. To vote in person, you will need a valid form of photo ID — if you don't have one, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk before 17:00 on Tuesday, 28 April. The last day to register to vote is Monday, 20 April. For a full breakdown of every candidate standing across Ipswich and all the key deadlines, read our complete guide to the May elections.

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