With East Suffolk Council preparing for its second election as a unified authority next month, the Waveney Conservative Party has unveiled its campaign for the district elections.

A number of candidates will be standing for the Conservative Party in the Waveney ward seats across Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Worlingham, Wainford, Lothingland, Halesworth and Blything, Wrentham, Wangford, and Westleton as voting takes place on May 4 across the district. 

For the first time people who go to polling stations will have to show photographic identification before being given ballot papers.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: East Suffolk Council's headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestEast Suffolk Council's headquarters in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Thomas Chapman)

With the local Conservative Group standing on a platform of sound financial management, focusing on tackling the climate emergency and the need for energy security, they were out campaigning on Saturday in Bungay.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous joined local candidates Judy Cloke and Mark Bee during campaigning with Richard Rout, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council and James Mallinder and Letitia Smith, cabinet members on East Suffolk Council.

With the local candidates promoting the needs of Bungay and the villages of the Saints and Wainford area, they said that "better traffic management in Bungay town centre is vital" as is "continued investment in better broadband and E-Vehicle charging points" such as those at Bungay Community Centre and the Waveney Valley Leisure Centre.

Mrs Cloke said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to represent the residents of Bungay and Wainford on East Suffolk Council for the last four years.

"I hope very much I can continue to do so."

Mr Bee, former leader of Waveney District and Suffolk County Council, added: "Each of the communities in this ward need strong representation on East Suffolk Council.

"We can provide the experience to properly stand up for the needs of Bungay and the villages, to ensure they get a fair deal from the district council."

The candidates will be facing Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat rivals across the wards.