Local elections are coming up — 7 May 2026
Enter your postcode to find the candidates standing in your ward.
Melissa Amity Harker
Green Party candidate for Bridges
Active on State
I was born in the North East, in County Durham, where I spent most of my life until moving to Gateshead. **I work exceptionally hard for my community and put my full effort into everything that I do.** Nationally I am the Co-Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Greens. Where I, alongside my other Co-Chair, **we work tirelessly to keep hard-fought rights for LGBT people.** I’ll be continuing to listen to residents after being elected and **using my voice and position on the council to push for change that residents want to see** in the Bridges ward. It’s my objective to ensure that Gateshead is served by representatives that actually represent the people who elect them. **I won’t let you down.**
Bridges Ward
Where Melissa fits into things
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Constituency
Bridges
Ward
Melissa Amity Harker
Candidate
Bridges
About the role
The responsibility of a councillor is to represent the people within a ward by making decisions on local services and other local issues.
What councillors do
- Make decisions on local services like housing, roads, and parks
- Represent residents' concerns at council meetings
- Help resolve local issues raised by constituents
- Set council budgets and local tax levels
How to influence
- Attend local council surgeries
- Write or email about local issues
- Attend public council meetings
- Join local community groups
Council
Gateshead