Meet the candidate: Jaya Georgey

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. Jaya Georgey is standing for Labour in the Priory Heath 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 Jaya 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?

My name is Jaya Georgey, and I am proud to stand as a Councillor Candidate for the Priory Heath Division in Suffolk. I live and work in Ipswich, giving me a strong connection to the community and its needs.

I am closely connected with the community, serving and actively contributing to several organisations - Serving as Women's Officer and Executive Committee Member of the Labour & Cooperative Party, An Ambassador for Cancer Support Suffolk, Vice president of the Ipswich Malayali Association, Volunteer at Church Top- Up shop, Volunteering with Ipswich Community Media & many more.

Through these roles, I work to create meaningful spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

With a professional background in Law, and MBA, my current role with NSFT Ipswich- NHS Trust, I support people in improving wellbeing and independence.

I believe in Humanity, Empathy, and Compassion—whatever I do will always have a humanitarian touch and a sweet smile on my face.

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

I believe the biggest issues facing Priory Heath are anti-social behaviour, environmental issues, and pressure on infrastructure from new development.

I would advocate for better local services, stronger support networks, and collaborative solutions

Residents reported concerns about noise pollution, crime, drug activity, and disorder, so I would push for stronger neighbourhood policing, better coordination between the council and police, CCTV watch, and earlier support for young people to prevent issues before they escalate.

Environmental problems like litter, fly-tipping, and poorly maintained spaces also affect daily life. I would prioritise cleaner streets through tougher enforcement, more regular maintenance, and support for community-led improvement projects.

Finally, Priory Heath Division roads and services, leading to congestion and potholes. I strongly support the Northern Bypass as a long-term solution to reduce traffic and improve connectivity, alongside immediate investment in road repairs and better traffic management.

I would also ensure future developments deliver the infrastructure our community needs alongside new beautiful housing like Ravenswood newly built houses by Ipswich Borough council.

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?

Suffolk is going through a period of significant change, and I support the move to a unitary council because it offers a real opportunity to simplify how services are delivered. A single, streamlined structure can reduce duplication, improve coordination, and make it clearer for residents to understand who is responsible for what—leading to a more efficient and responsive local government.

That said, these changes must be handled carefully, with transparency and strong engagement with local communities. It's essential that, while we gain efficiency, we also protect local identity and ensure that services like housing, transport, and social care remain accessible and responsive to local needs.

As a local councillor, my role would be to champion residents throughout this transition—making sure their voices are heard, holding decision-makers to account, and ensuring that the benefits of a unitary system are fully realised in practice. It's about combining the efficiencies of a new structure with a continued commitment to strong, local representation.

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?

People often tell me that I am approachable and that I always have a smile on my face—and while that might seem like a small thing, it's actually been central to my work in the community. It has helped me build genuine relationships across different groups and backgrounds.

One of my proudest achievements has been creating a sense of connection among residents who previously felt unheard and disconnected. By being visible, friendly, and consistent, I have encouraged more people to speak up, share ideas, and get involved.

To me, this shows that leadership isn't just about decisions—it's about how you make people feel. As a Councillor, I would continue to be someone who listens without judgment, communicates clearly, and brings people together to create positive change."

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?

If elected, I will make myself fully accessible and accountable to all residents in the Priory Heath Division. I am committed and Passionate in making a positive difference in people's lives.

I will maintain a visible presence in the ward by attending local events, holding regular drop-in surgeries, and engaging directly with residents to understand their concerns. I am also planning to be available in designated community centres and locations across Priory Heath Division to ensure people can reach me easily and know I am with them.

Residents will be able to contact me via phone, email, and social media, and I will ensure enquiries are acknowledged promptly and responded to in a timely manner.

If elected, I will keep residents informed through regular updates and online platforms, ensuring transparency and clear communication.

My priority is to be an accessible and responsive councillor for Priory Heath.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Priory Heath Division — 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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