Meet the candidate: Laurence Bradley

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. Laurence Bradley is standing for Labour in the Bixley 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 Laurence 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've been local to Bixley for over 30 years and we raised our children here. I served as a scout leader for 15 years and am a trustee of Iceni, a respected charity. Supporting this community is in my nature. I enjoy cycling, gardening and cultural events in the Ipswich parks.

When I was a kid we moved to a council house and it was a big upgrade to our previous private rental. It made a such a difference to our lives. Good affordable housing is rarer now but needed just as much. Council housing is a real strength in Ipswich. The best local councillors look out for ordinary people, and I want to be part of that.

A couple of decades ago, I failed to get my son to rugby practice one evening because an incident on the A14 brought Bixley traffic to a halt. I never imagined the same issue would still be waiting for me. I'm ready.

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

Each week I talk with about 80 people on the doorstep. A northern bypass is the top issue. When the A14 has a major hold up the lorries hit Bixley from all angles – Colchester Road, Heath Road, Foxhall Road. Labour is the only party committed to a bypass.

There are too many, potholes. They are allowed to grow larger and for the few that are fixed the repairs don't last. Labour gave the county a record funding package, an extra £219m for repairs – it is not being well spent.

Few people realise that the county councillor for Bixley is responsible for the highways contract. Suffolk's pothole performance is one of the lowest in Britain, with a red rating from the Department of Transport. The same councillor has failed to submit a plan for a bypass. Make this election a referendum on highways and call time on the Conservatives 'do nothing' approach.

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?

In two years time, Suffolk will have 3 unitary authorities. We need to deliver that change in a way that makes things simpler for residents, provides greater value for money and responds to local needs.

Unitary authorities offer us some promises:

• To be simpler for residents. No more confusion over responsibilities.
• To save money, to be invested back into services.
• To use a real understanding of our community to tailor services to you.

I expect to ask how are we designing the new authorities to meet these promises? I also expect there to be more scope in our unitary authority to improve public transport and will actively pursue opportunities there. My professional background makes me well placed to represent your interests in Bixley during the biggest change in local government for over 50 years. I will work to help people get the benefits from new ways of doing things.

Much of my professional life has been spent delivering large change projects in a variety of businesses. The best part of projects like that is helping people to get the benefits from new ways of doing things.

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?

Change projects come in many flavours. I was once asked to help a children's hospital become famous for innovation. It took about a year and innovation there has flourished ever since.

It was a success because of the hospital staff and the supportive way so many parents and children took part. We began with an intense period of consultation and trusted the wisdom of the participants. I had no power and very little money. My only route to progress was to co-develop ideas into action with other people. We began practically, with what we had and who we knew and through remarkable colleagues and partners built up a thriving and award winning, innovation hub.

Local politics has many similarities. Councillors rely on influence, and their influence depends on the active concerns of households. If I make a difference it will be because you wanted it done.

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?

While social media has its place, hearing from you directly is an irreplaceable privilege. Please get in touch to share what matters most to you.

Email: Laurence4Bixley@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Laurence4Bixley/

https://nextdoor.co.uk/p/-S9km6rkgkT5

If a Bixley issue would be better handled through public meetings I expect to be able to make the time.

I've spent over 30 years in this community, and I'm committed to using my experience to support residents. To reclaim our local roads and guide Bixley through the biggest changes in local government for a generation.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Bixley 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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