Bury Independents to stand five candidates in May local elections

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 15:31

By Adam Clark

Five community campaigners will stand for election under the Bury Independents banner in the Bury Council local elections in May, with candidates confirmed across five wards in the borough.

Steve Middleton, a community campaigner from Unsworth and leader of Bury Independents, will contest the Unsworth ward. He finished second in the ward at the 2024 local elections and said he has continued working locally since then.

"I am delighted to stand again for my neighbours in Unsworth. Since the last election I have worked hard representing my home town and I hope residents feel a local champion with a proven track record is the right choice to represent them on Bury Council."

Martyn West will again stand in Besses ward. He also placed second in 2024 and has spent recent years campaigning on issues linked to the Haweswater Underpass and the Simister Island motorway scheme.

“Children were being forced to walk in complete darkness during winter, while the only alternative route added an extra mile. That was unacceptable. Residents living closest to the Simister scheme must be listened to, and environmental impacts properly addressed. This shows Bury Independents can deliver real, practical benefits for local communities alongside nationally significant projects.”

Michael Hankey has been selected as the party’s candidate for Elton ward. He said his focus would be on listening to residents and acting on local priorities rather than following national party direction.

“Local people are best served by representatives rooted in their community, not by national party structures. My priority is to secure the best outcomes for residents in Elton and across Bury, by listening carefully to what local people actually want. Too often, party politics has come before local needs. I believe in putting people first, listening, then acting.”

Jill Budgen, a founding member of Bury Independents who has lived in the borough since the 1970s, will stand in Moorside. She said her priorities include tackling rubbish and fly tipping and protecting green spaces.

Elizabeth, who is known as Alice Sugden, will contest the Redvales ward. She said she was standing because she wanted to see improvements for residents in the area.

Bury Independents said it was formed to give residents the option of electing councillors who live and work within their communities and who represent local interests at Bury Council. The group has invited residents who share that aim to get involved.

The party was registered with the Electoral Commission in December 2023. It stood eight candidates at the 2024 local elections and received more than 4,500 votes, making it the third largest party in Bury by overall vote share.

Bury Council elections are scheduled to take place on Thursday 7th May 2026.