Your Labour Candidates for the 2026 Elections

I’m standing for re-election as your local councillor because I care deeply about our community and the people who call it home. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to listen, act, and make a real difference – from improving local services, to supporting families and small businesses. But there’s still more to do. I want to keep fighting for the issues that matter most to you and ensure our area continues to be a great place to live. With your support, I’ll keep putting our community first.

Cllr Sandra Walmsley has represented Moorside ward in Bury since 2010 and is known for her trusted tenacity in delivering real results for local people. As Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion, she leads on initiatives that support vulnerable residents and strengthen community engagement. A proud Moorside resident, Sandra actively supports local food banks and community groups including Chesham Fold TRA, Friends of Clarence Park, Keep Bury Clean, and Seedfield TRA. She played a key role in implementing the Red Route on Walmersley Road to improve road safety and continues to work closely with residents on neighbourhood issues. Sandra is standing again as Labour’s candidate for Moorside in the May 2026 elections.

I am married with two children and three grandchildren. I come from a large family, who reside in Bury and Rochdale. I have lived in Bury with my husband for 40 years and our children attended Guardian Angels, St. Gabriel’s and Holy Cross College. Since retiring as the Head of Art and Design at Bury Grammar School Girls, I have spent most of my time volunteering. I have been the Chair of Greenmount Village Community since 2020, after previously serving on the committee and successfully completed many projects. I have connected with community groups in Nangreaves, Brandlesholme, Tottington, Hawkshaw and Ramsbottom to network and share good practice. I also host the local Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. I attend St. Hilda’s Church in Tottington, singing in the choir, serving coffee after Mass and am a member of the Events Committee. I also sing with a choir in Ramsbottom, am a member of two Crown Green Bowling clubs in Radcliffe and enjoy swimming and walking. I have been Chair of the PTA at my children’s primary and secondary schools and Parent Governor at Guardian Angels Primary School, Bury. I am one of two representatives from the North Manor Ward on the Bury Older Persons Network (BOPN) and attend monthly meetings and events. Through this group I can pass on important information to residents of services available to them through the council. I work closely with the VCFA and the Council’s Well Being and Live Well Teams. Through the Let’s Do It Health Improvement Fund I set up the Wellbeing Trail around Island Lodge and welcome speakers and social subscribers to address our Cuppa and Chat members. I attend and occasionally host the bi-monthly North Bury Connections meetings which bring together a variety of volunteer organisations to share good practice.