Meet the candidate: Steven Reynolds

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. Steven Reynolds is standing for Labour in the St Margaret's 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 Steven told us.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have lived in St Margaret's ward for 50 years and know the area very well. I brought my children up here, and both attended Northgate High School. I have seen the impact that an active council can make; being a councillor would give me an opportunity to influence the services that are important to me.

I am a member of the Friends of Christchurch Park and the Ipswich Society. After retiring, I joined the University of the Third Age and attend a wide range of groups. I am also a season ticket holder at ITFC.

I am a keen runner, having completed marathons and half marathons in Suffolk and beyond. I enjoy running in our beautiful parks and would love to see them host more community events.

What are the three biggest issues facing your ward, and how would you tackle them if elected?

One of the issues facing St Margarets is the increased traffic and pressure on services since the development of the Ipswich Garden Suburb. Lack of affordable housing – to rent or to buy – is an issue across Ipswich, along with roads which are more pothole than tarmac. I would campaign for more council housing, effective implementation of the Renter's Rights Act 2026 and vastly increased investment in our roads.

Suffolk is in the middle of significant change, with local government reorganisation and devolution on the horizon. What does this mean for Ipswich, and what would you push for?

The new council structure will make it much easier for people to understand who provides their services. It's crucial that the transition is managed very carefully to minimise disruption to services, particularly to elderly and vulnerable people. Ipswich Borough Council have a sound record of delivering new council housing in recent years (570 properties). Securing funding for more homes would be a top priority for me. Longer term, a Northern Bypass would relieve traffic congestion, especially in the Valley Road area.

What do you consider your most significant achievement, and how does it prepare you for this role?

In my younger years, I was very active in the scouting movement and led trips in the UK and abroad. Scouting requires a strong commitment, teamwork and a willingness to "muck in" when required. I worked in the construction sector as a site manager - planning projects and working with clients and contractors – making it all "come together". I think these experiences would provide a good foundation for becoming a councillor.

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

I would attend community events, offer surgeries, and make my contact details widely known. I would work with other councillors in the ward on areas of joint interest.

Want to hear from the other candidates standing in St Margaret's 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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