Meet the candidate: Stefan Long

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. Stefan Long is standing for the Labour Party in the Rushmere 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 Stefan 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/remain a councillor?

I have lived in Ipswich all my life and have strong roots in the area I represent. I am 37 years old and spent my childhood on Henslow Road, attending Britannia Primary School and Copleston High School. Around 11 years ago I moved into Rushmere, which is now the ward I am proud to represent.

Living in the ward gives me a real, day to day understanding of the issues residents face and the things they value most about the area. It means I'm invested not just as a councillor, but as a neighbour.

I am standing for re‑election because I care deeply about Rushmere and Ipswich, and I want to continue serving my fellow residents. I believe effective local representation comes from listening, being visible, and working hard to turn concerns into practical outcomes for the community.

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

One of the biggest issues facing Rushmere is the condition of our roads and pavements. While highways is currently a county council responsibility, by working with our current Labour county councillor we have already achieved small but important improvements. By electing Martin Cook to the county council, I am confident we can continue to press for better maintenance, clearer priorities and quicker responses.

A second key issue is protecting and investing in our local green spaces. Parks such as Dumbarton Road and Brunswick Road are real assets to the community. I would work to ensure they are properly maintained, remain safe and accessible, and continue to receive investment so they can be enjoyed by all ages.

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?

I see the local government restructure as a positive move for residents. With fewer overlapping layers of government, issues raised by residents will sit with a single authority, reducing confusion about responsibility and helping problems to be addressed more quickly and effectively.

That said, this change must be managed carefully. It is vital that local voices are not lost. Transparency, clear communication and genuine engagement with residents will be essential throughout the transition.

Alongside reorganisation, pressures around housing, transport and public services require a long term thought process to ensure growth is sustainable and infrastructure keeps up.

I see a local councillor's role is key in this process. They should be acting as a strong advocate for residents, and working constructively with partners to secure practical outcomes that improve everyday life for the people they represent.

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?

One of my most significant achievements is the leadership challenges I have taken on personally, professionally and in the community, and what they say about my approach.

Personally, I have completed endurance challenges including a 100 mile walk, the Three Peaks Challenge and summiting 6,000 metre mountains in the Himalayas, often to raise money for charity. These experiences reflect resilience, preparation and determination to see difficult tasks through.

Professionally, I worked independently in Shanghai on the build of new quayside cranes for the Port of Felixstowe. This required accountability, problem solving and the ability to deliver results in a harsh, unfamiliar environment.

Serving as Mayor of Ipswich has been the most meaningful achievement. It allowed me to engage directly with residents, charities and community groups, raise thousands of pounds for local causes, and celebrate the generosity and hard work of people across the town. Together, these experiences show how I would serve.

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?

I already make myself accessible in a very straightforward, practical way, and that wouldn't change if re-elected. Residents contact me now by phone and email, and I'm equally happy to speak to people face to face, whether that's a knock on the door, a conversation in the street, or a chat while I'm out in the local shops. I believe being visible and approachable is essential.

The Ipswich Labour team is out knocking on doors and speaking to residents somewhere in the town almost every week. That regular contact means issues are picked up early and followed through.

If elected, I would continue to use multiple ways to stay in touch, but the key thing is feedback. People deserve a response, even if the answer isn't immediate. Listening, replying clearly, and keeping residents informed would be central to how I represent the ward.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in Rushmere — 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.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£27 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.