Meet the candidate: Owen Bartholomew

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. Owen Bartholomew is standing for the Labour Party in the Priory Heath 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 Owen 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 Owen Bartholomew and since 2024 I've had the immense privilege of serving as councillor for Priory heath.

In my work life, I have always been involved in customer service and I like to think I'm approachable to any person regardless of background so I feel this has benefited me in my role as councillor.

I work in the ward currently and live in south east Ipswich, so know the ward of Priory Heath well.

For me, being a councillor, has been a pleasure, having the chance to meet different people from different backgrounds and trying to resolve issues people may have.

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

The biggest issues facing Priory Heath currently are housing, anti social behaviour and in many places potholes.

In regards to housing, it's not a secret that, as a town, and nationwide, there is a shortage of affordable housing. However, I am pleased this council has taken the initiative and built some great homes up on Ravenswood, however there's always more to do.

With regards to anti sociable behaviour, trying to get young people off the streets and away from gangs is always a challenge! But I am pleased about the initiative's which have been going on in the ward! Especially with the help of Murray side community centre.

Potholes are an absolute nuisance and I feel as an Ipswich borough councillor you are always battling to get Tory run Suffolk County Council to get potholes sorted! However, in my time as councillor I have pushed to get potholes sorted, especially on Ravenswood.

Suffolk is in the middle of significant change — what's your view?

Local government reorganisation presents an amazing opportunity to put things that affect Ipswich in Ipswich's hands rather than an often remote county council. The confusion over which council does what understandably confuses residents! There will one council that will be accountable to Ipswich's residents.

What is your most significant achievement, and what does it tell voters about how you'd approach the role?

In the 2 years I've been Priory Heath's councillor , I've been presented with a variety of casework, whether it be housing issues or park issues!

I am proud of being able to help some residents with their issues behind the scenes. Dog mess was a big issue in green spaces, so I am pleased that I was able to secure more dog mess signs and see a reduction of dog mess.

If elected, how will you make yourself accessible to residents?

If re-elected, I will continue to be approachable to all residents, regardless of their background! I will always be at the end of a phone call or email and, be assured, I will and push for a resolution ASAP.

I am frequently out and about in the ward, so residents can always approach me and say hi.

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