The three candidates, from France and Slovakia, have lived in the borough for a collective 38 years. They are standing as councillors because they wish to give back to the communities which have welcomed them and their families.

Frederic Lacroix, from France, has lived in the UK for 18 years. A software engineer for a local firm, he is standing in Greets Green and Lyng ward.

Frederic says: ‘This place and its people have welcomed me and my wife. We have built a great life for ourselves and our kids. I want to help make sure that it can offer the same kind of opportunities for generations to come.’

Also from France, Fabienne Ottridge is standing in St Paul’s ward. Fabienne, who works as a translator, has lived in the borough for 12 years. 

‘I believe that the Green Party can make a change. We need to express an alternative opinion and be taken seriously,’ Fabienne says. 

‘I am proud to represent a British party as a French and European citizen. France is my birthplace but England has become my home. I’m so happy to have chosen to live in such a great community. It deserves the best.’

Daniela Waugh, who hails from Slovakia, is standing in Great Barr with Yew Tree ward. She has lived in England for eight years with her Sandwell-born husband and their children. A full-time student, Daniela works with a number of charities and local community projects.

Daniela says: ‘Because a councillor can impact on a community, and our communities impact on all of our lives, the better we can make these communities, the better it is for all of us. I would like to be able to play my part and give back to the community which has given so much to me and my family.’

The three join 12 other Green Party candidates standing for seats on Sandwell Council in the local elections on 3^rd May 2018

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The Green Party is now Sandwell’s third largest political party. The party is standing across the borough following the collapse of UKIP, which has just one candidate. Only two Liberal Democrats will be standing across the borough.

Labour currently holds 67 out of 72 seats on Sandwell Council. Of the five independent councillors, four were Labour Party candidates when they were elected. There are 26 seats up for election this year.

John Macefield, Sandwell Green Party coordinator and candidate for Bristnall, said: ‘After the recent controversies surrounding the Labour-dominated council it is more important than ever to hold them to account. Councils like Sandwell which are dominated by a single party lack proper scrutiny and provide poor value for money.

‘Putting a Green on Sandwell Council means important issues will be discussed, such as climate change, quality of life, social equality and addressing the damage caused by pollution to our children’s health. The Green Party will strive to prevent bad decisions being made, and I hope residents will help us do this by voting for their Green Party candidate on 3rd May.’

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