Meet the candidate: Colin Wright

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. Colin Wright is standing for Labour in the Whitehouse ward, contesting one of 16 borough 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 Colin told us.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am proud to have represented Labour in Whitehouse for the past 13 years as a councillor—a community that means a great deal to me, as it is where I grew up in a council house in the Irish Estate. I attended Whitehouse primary and Westbourne schools. I still live on Waterford Road where I raise my daughter.

I remain committed to supporting residents with the same dedication, pride, and passion I have shown throughout my time in office, and I am eager to keep working to enhance the area I live in.

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

Firstly, I would continue to work with the parks improvement programme instigated by the Labour-run borough council, following on from the successful upgrade of Whitehouse Park. I would continue to support community assets such as the Flying Horse pub, which has benefitted from the towns deal funding, enabling many community events for adults and children in the local area, fostering a sense of community spirit.

Secondly, it is apparent that the ward becomes affected by traffic issues when the Orwell crossing is closed, and I would continue to support the campaign for a Northern bypass for Ipswich, thus alleviating these problems. The roads also require more timely repairs and maintenance, which I would press upon the county council to undertake in my ward.

Also, the Whitehouse area has been awarded £20 million in funding from the Labour central government to improve the area and the lives of the local residents. I am really keen to work with partners to deliver projects that create positive change for local people.

Suffolk is in the middle of significant change due to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), what is your view of how the changes should be handled and what role do you see a local councillor playing?

The changes due to the LGR will be positive as it will make it a single point of contact for residents when dealing with the council and councillors, due to there being a unitary authority for Ipswich and South Suffolk. This will allow there to be a joined-up approach to housing, transport networks and public services, enabling a more cohesive service for residents.

Councillors will help shape the new Authority using their expertise in local government to achieve an effective transition from District and County councils to a Unitary Authority. This would lead to having a local Council that understands the issues within the area, allowing councillors to make decisions for their community

Councillors form an important role in liaising between residents and council officers, forming a conduit to resolve issues as they arise and deliver positive outcomes for local constituents.

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

I am proactive in dealing with case work, ranging from housing to parks and community groups. I am always approachable and prompt in replying to concerns raised, making sure that the resident is satisfied with how I have dealt with their problem.

On a personal level, I take great pride in having named two streets after Whitehouse residents who gave their lives in service of the UK: Aaron McClure Way and Gary Barnes Square. This shows that I am connected to the community and I wanted to honour their bravery shown and making sure they are not forgotten.

I also worked with council officers, the BLT (Big Lottery Trust) and local groups to assist with the delivery of the skate park in Whitehouse park, a real asset to the community

How will you make yourself accessible to residents in your ward/division?

Being a resident of Whitehouse, I am part of the community I represent. I know many residents within that area, as I have lived there my whole life. Local people can approach me with ease within the Whitehouse ward.

I will also continue to attend community events to engage with residents on an informal basis, alongside our current councillor drop-in sessions.

I currently respond to various emails and phone calls from constituents. I will continue to use these forms of communication going forward.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Whitehouse — 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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