Meet the candidates for Houghton for the Sunderland City Council election on May 5

With council elections just around the corner, we’re shining the spotlight on Sunderland’s candidates in the run-up to polling day.

Voters are due to head to polling stations on Thursday, May 5, to either re-elect or replace holders of around a third of seats on Sunderland City Council.

All candidates have been given the opportunity to tell readers why they’re standing and why you should vote for them.

Here’s what candidates in the Houghton ward have to say.

*Candidates are listed in the order they appeared on Sunderland City Council’s list of candidates at the close of nominations*

Mark Burrell (Labour Party)

I am honoured to be selected as the Labour Party candidate for Houghton. It would be a privilege to represent our community and work with my Labour ward colleagues to ensure Houghton prospers.

My Labour values stem from my upbringing on a council estate during the Thatcher years. I remember how our communities were left behind, crime was high and public services were underfunded. Trying to prevent further decline was why I joined the Labour party.