Ealing Nub News has reached out to every prospective South Acton ward by-election candidate asking them to introduce themselves to the area and our readers.

In the run up to the by-elections on Thursday, 10 October Ealing Nub News will ask each candidate more questions relating to local issues and topics.

The previous councillor for South Acton, Callum Anderson (Labour Party), resigned his seat following his election as MP for Buckingham and Bletchley. He had been a councillor since 2022.

South Acton Ward Candidates:

• Julie Carter (Independent)
• Lucas Davies Herbst (Workers Party of Britain)
• Katie Lynn Douglas (Labour Party)
• David Lawrence Hofman (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
• Timothy William Bailey Hughes (Liberal Democrat)
• Marco Manassero (Reform UK)
• Kristian Mower (Conservative)
• Andrew John Walkley (The Green Party)

Julie Carter (Independent)

Julie Carter wants to offer residents an alternative to political parties (credit: Julie Carter).

Standing as an independent, Julie Carter said: "It's time we had an independent councillor in South Acton. I'm putting myself forward to give the local residents of South Acton an alternative to the tired old parties."

"Eventually people will realise that party politics is a sham and do little to help local residents."

"Already I have South Acton locals come to me with problems they want solved: resident parking and speed limit signage near the local school and most importantly, a councillor who is present for them. One resident says he hasn't ever seen his local councillor "where are they?"

"South Acton is a hidden gem, a vibrant, close community, it deserves better than what's been on offer to them."

Carter previously stood as an independent in the general election and served as a governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School.

Marco Manassero (Reform UK)

Marco Manassero is an Italian-born British citizen who has lived in Ealing for over 10 years (credit: Marco Manassero).

Marco Manassero, Reform UK candidate for South Acton, said: "My name is Marco Manassero, an Italian-born, British-naturalised insurance professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from a top European business school, I relocated to the UK in 2012, and through hard work and dedication, I managed to start my own company six years later. I am married and have two beautiful daughters.

"I've always had a keen interest in politics, but my career and family have taken up most of my time and energy. However, after witnessing firsthand the recent moral and economic decline of our nation, I felt compelled to take action. I'm honoured to stand as the Reform UK candidate in the South Acton ward by-election on 10th October.

"I've been living with my family in Ealing for over 10 years, which has given me a strong connection to the Borough. My eldest daughter attends weekly swimming classes at the Acton Centre, and I have volunteered at the Acton Gardens Community Centre.

"I'm standing as a councillor for Reform UK in South Acton because I believe that, after over a decade of Labour control in Ealing, we need a fresh perspective to address the issues our community faces. Crime, overdevelopment, and job creation remain significant challenges that have not been adequately addressed, and I am committed to making a positive change for the people of South Acton."

Timothy William Bailey Hughes (Liberal Democrat)

Tim Hughes says he will hold local labour to account and keep Acton clean (credit: Tim Hughes).

Tim Hughes, Liberal Democrat candidate for South Acton, said: "I work in central London and I moved to Acton five years ago to start a family. I love living in Acton. It's a wonderful place for our children to grow up up but there are many ways it could be improved. I want to put my energy towards improving the borough for all residents.

"Fairness. Decency. Responsibility. My motivation to be involved in this election is that I don't want your vote to be taken for granted. I believe there should be a coherent opposition to Labour locally.

"It is painfully apparent that the Conservative Party cannot provide that. I want to be part of an energetic Liberal Democrat opposition that holds Labour to account to make Acton clean, safe and where the Council listens to the residents of Acton.

"⁠I was born in Queen Charlottes Hospital and spent my formative years in Chiswick. After a hiatus of living in the Midlands, I returned to Acton to start a family. We live right on the border of the ward and can identify with many of the issues the ward faces.

"⁠The living environment. Acton is a vibrant part of a vibrant city. We need to make sure that necessary development enhances our community not diminishes it.

"Protecting parks and green spaces. As we see occasionally, there are attempts from developers to concrete over our green spaces. These are vital for the borough and I will protect them.

"Pothole repair. The number of potholes in our roads are shocking. This makes it very difficult for motorists, cyclists, wheelchair users and people who are partially sighted. There should be a programme of road resurfacing for the borough.

"I love its diversity, Its community and its vibrancy. ⁠I don't tend to dwell on personal achievements but I am proud of what I have achieved in my work , with my family and doing what I can within my community."

Andrew Walkley (The Green Party)

Andrew Walkley is standing as the Green Party candidate for South Acton because he believes its policies ensure a secure home, good health and a thriving environment for people (credit: The Green Party).

Andrew Walkley, Green Party candidate for South Acton, said: "While I have always had an interest in politics, I have never stood before for public office largely because I prioritised other areas of my life.

"I previously worked in a university and in publishing in the UK and abroad. Since 2014 I have run my own small business providing educational services in English Language Teaching.

"During this time, I spent several years supporting the care of parents with disabilities and dementia. I also relocated to Ealing which involved a period renting and 18 months ago, I settled in Northfields, where I live with my wife, a therapist working in schools.

"All these direct experiences as teacher, businessperson, carer, renter, and 'migrant' as well as the experiences of my family have made me increasingly frustrated with the current focus of politics.

"It's become about division and how people should serve the economy and growth, rather than the economy serving the fundamentals we all need: a secure home, good health and a thriving environment. I joined the Green Party because it is the only party whose policies start from this perspective.

"As a councillor, I will remain focused on these values. For example, I'd like to:

• help renters challenge poor practices and get the best deal we can get in new developments, so renters can make a home in Ealing
• fight for more support for home insulations and renewable energy
• encourage council use of local businesses and build community wealth
• support grassroots groups working to develop physical and mental health for all ages
• work together to improve public spaces and having more people out in the spaces to increase community and security

"Professionally, I am a writer, teacher and trainer, so I am a good listener and communicator. I am an independent voice, uninterested in petty party politics. I will always work with others who want better homes, health and environment in South Acton. As I now work part-time, I also have the time and energy to fully commit to working as your councillor."

The Labour Party, Conservative Party, Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition and Workers Party of Britain have been approached for comment.

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