Meet the candidates for Cambridge City Council Trumpington by-election

The candidates have been announced for next month’s by-election for the Trumpington ward of Cambridge City Council.

The seat became vacant following the resignation on June 28 of former city councillor, Alan Cox, of Byron Square, Trumpington, who pleaded guilty to indecent images charges.

The Conservatives, Greens, Labour and the Liberal Democrats will be battling it out to secure the seat on Thursday, August 18.

Labour candidate: Rahima Ahammed

Cambridge resident Rahima Ahammed hopes to inspire more women to go into politics including those who wear the full veil by seeking election representing the Labour Party.

If successful, she will be the first councillor to wear the garment, which covers the whole face except for the area around the eyes.

She explained: “The main reason I’m standing for election is I want to break down barriers and inspire other women to come forward to stand as a councillor.

“We need more politicians who are truly representative of the diverse communities we have in Cambridge and across the UK.”

She added: “There is also a great misconception about females who wear the full veil in the UK. This is based on the media’s portrayal and it doesn’t help that the current Prime Minister of the UK has made comments comparing women wearing the full veil to ‘letterboxes’ and ‘bank robbers’.

“I want to break down this stigma and show that women like myself are confident, empowered and ready to listen and work with our wonderful residents in Trumpington and serve our vibrant community.”

Green Party candidate: Ceri Galloway

Former vice chair and director of Trumpington Residents’ Association Ceri Galloway is standing for the Green Party.

Ms Galloway has been active in Green politics since the 1970s as well as the women’s and peace movements.

She said: “If elected to the city council, I would work to get the best deal for residents and the environment if the southern route is chosen for East West Rail. She would promote integrated care between social services, the NHS and other providers for older and disabled people.”

Ms Galloway says she will scrutinise decisions relating to transport and the city deal, aiming to make transport links work towards reducing congestion and noise and air pollution in the city. She will also promote support for all refugees in the city.

Liberal Democrat candidate: David Levien

Cambridge Liberal Democrats have announced David Levien as their candidate for the by-election.

A resident of Trumpington for over 30 years, Mr Levien is an engineer and in his spare time is a regular volunteer at the Trumpington Foodbank and a keen rower on the River Cam.

He said: “Trumpington is a special area with unique identity and history within Cambridge. I have seen it grow and change for 30 years with much-needed new homes, schools and open spaces being delivered over the past few decades. I want to be able to take advantage of this opportunity to build a really good community locally.”

Mr Levien is campaigning to prevent anti-social driving to improve safety on the streets, to stand up for the environment by taking climate change seriously and protecting our green spaces; and for centres like Hobson Square to become vibrant hubs for all to enjoy.

Conservative candidate: Shaphour Meftah

Trumpington resident and chair of the Mill Road Traders’ Association Shapour Meftah is representing the Conservative Party.

IT consultant Mr Meftah was previously a Cambridge City Council councillor from 2012 to 2016. He is campaigning to tackle anti-social behaviour, fix potholes, improve public transport and fight racism.

Mr Meftah says he will also push for Cambridge South station to open as soon as possible, as well as working to increase communication and consultation with the public.

Mr Meftah, who is an ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign - an organisation that helps the victims of domestic abuse and violence, says he is “always ready to listen and help people in any way possible” and his door is always open.

Register to vote

Trumpington residents wishing to vote in the by-election who are not already on the electoral register should register by Tuesday, August 2.

People can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote if they have their National Insurance number to hand – a process which will only take a few minutes. Anyone without access to the internet can request a paper registration form by phoning the council on 01223 457048.