Meet the candidate: Polly Ford

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. Polly Ford is standing for the Labour Party in the Bridge 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 Polly 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 Polly and I am standing as the Borough candidate for Bridge. I moved to Ipswich in 2017 with my two children, Kat and Joe. Five years ago, we made Bridge our home.

I worked as a Primary school teacher for 10 years. I loved working with families and seeing the positive impact that good teaching makes. After leaving teaching, I spent just over a year at a local Ipswich school, working closely with families to improve attendance.

Following the election of Jack Abbott, as Member of Parliament for Ipswich, I started working as one of his caseworkers. This role has given me invaluable experience in supporting residents with a wide range of local issues. It has also strengthened my knowledge of some of the challenges that residents in Ipswich face.

I would like to sit on the Borough Council as this will give me the opportunity to represent my fellow Bridge citizens. I am passionate about driving positive change and ensuring that residents' views are heard and acted upon.

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

Firstly, I would like to see Bridge looking tidier. The reasons for why there are high incidences of fly tipping and a lack of cleanliness would need to be addressed. Ways I would like to do this, if elected, include targeted enforcement followed by community development.

Secondly, I would like to build up links with the local community police to ensure that they see local issues, around Anti-Social Behaviour, first hand and that they work with the community to make improvements.

Thirdly, relieve congestion on Wherstead Road, when the Orwell Bridge or A14 is closed, by building a Northern Bypass for Ipswich.

I want to create a sense of pride in Bridge ward by tackling these issues. I hope residents will be able to see improvements over time. By working to change mindsets and encouraging people to become active participants in caring for their local area, these changes will become long-lasting.

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?

Listening to residents is always the main priority. Under an authority that's big enough to provide and small enough to care, we will see vital services being delivered that our residents depend upon.

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?

I had my daughter when I was in my early twenties. As a single mum, I returned to education, getting a PGCE, which allowed me to work as a Primary School Teacher. I would apply the same determination again, if elected.

Professionally, I have been proud to advocate for and help many constituents of Ipswich through my work as a caseworker. This includes housing, immigration and ensuring the county council uses the £219 million funding package to tackle potholes and fix our crumbling roads.

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?

Residents can be assured that I will respond when they contact me, and I will always do my best to resolve any issues that they may have.

People can contact me through my Instagram account: polly4bridge

My Facebook page: Polly Ford

Or by emailing me at: polly4bridge2026@gmail.com

If elected, I plan to keep my social media accounts so that people can continue to contact me and see the work that is being done in Bridge ward.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Bridge ward — 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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