It's election time, and candidates all over the country are battling for the public's votes ahead of the big day on May 6th.

This also goes for Leek, where two seats at Staffordshire County Council are up for grabs - one in Leek South, and one in Leek Rural.

With the election getting closer by the day, we got in touch with all seven Leek candidates to ask them to briefly explain in their own words why they think they deserve your vote.

Over the next few days, we will be posting their responses so you can read what they had to say and make your decision.

Our first candidate's response is Jonathan Kempster, who is standing for The Green Party in Leek Rural.

Five candidates from the Green Party are standing for election to county council across the Staffordshire Moorlands and two candidates are standing in the District Council by-elections.

He said: "Recently, there has been much talk by the council of making Leek Rural an 'even better place to live', yet we see only limited action.

"There are promises of safer roads and comprehensive rural transport services, but little is done and in summer 2020, after the easing of lockdown, the roads felt more dangerous than ever with speeding vehicles.

"There is talk of 'protection of our beautiful area', yet the amount of litter on roadsides is increasingly apparent.

"There is discussion on how to 'tackle climate change', but minimal action is taken to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. The list of much talk and little action is endless. Things need to change. Talk must lead to action.

"The Green Party will act on its promises. It will support industry and agriculture to plan a green recovery after the pandemic.

"The Green party will work with communities to protect and enhance our beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife. A vote for a Green Party candidate is a vote for a better future."

James Firkins (election agent for candidates standing in the Staffordshire Moorlands) said: "The Green Party is standing in these elections to give people the option to vote for something different to the three main Parties. We put dealing with the Climate and Nature Emergency centre stage."

He added that the Green Party's main aims were:

- Make the Climate Emergency a top priority and ensure the County Council keeps to its climate change targets.

- Support more community-based provision of services to combat social isolation and loneliness.

- Push for better, cheaper public transport and safer, cleaner roads.

- Support local businesses to become more sustainable in terms of their effect on the environment and support the investment in new green technologies and jobs.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!  

You can submit your own news and opinions straight to Leek Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page.

This can also be done for events on our What's On page and for businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page, also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.