In just over a week Kenilworth locals will head to the polls to vote in their new councillors for Warwickshire County Council.

All 57 wards at the local authority are up for grabs, with voting opening on Thursday 1 May.

Results will then be announced on Friday 2 May, including in all three Kenilworth wards.

We have asked each candidate why locals should trust them with their vote.

This is what the candidates for Lapworth and West Kenilworth said:

John Dubber - Liberal Democrats

I've been a resident of our area for 17 years, with my children attending local primary and secondary schools. 

I am standing for election to help support improved services for local people, supporting a safer, stronger and more sustainable community. 

My priorities are:

• Invest in our local services - I am keen the council should do more to invest in local schools, libraries, provision for special educational needs, social services, youth services and extracurricular activities for young people. I would like to bring back children's centres to the Kenilworth area and I will work to improve bus services.
• Fix our roads - I will prioritise fixing our roads and a stronger voice for local people with HS2, to minimise disruption and prevent uncoordinated road closures.
• Protect our environment - I am passionate about tackling climate change and protecting the environment. I would like to see more action from the council to protect our green belt and local green spaces.

John Dubber - Liberal Democrats

Rich Hales - Conservative

As a resident for over 40 year and a district councillor for the last six years, I have worked with residents and the parish councils to get things done for you, whether that being trying to resolve planning issues, especially with the emergence of the local plan and the 1000's of houses being proposed in our green belt, or working with the county & police regarding the speeding issues that we have on our roads. 

I am also aware of how complex local government is, with residents being unsure whether it is the county council or district council that they need to speak to when they experience any issues. 

One of the reasons I am standing is because I am already a district councillor and believe that by having one point of contact this should hopefully make it simpler for all of us to resolve your issues quickly and effectively.

I'm invested in our community and have a real interest in local education, whether it be through my previous 14 years at Kenilworth School or more recently my involvement at Evergreen School.

My priority is simple: to be your representative who ensures that your local issues are addressed swiftly, decisively and resolutely and to shine a light in corners to bring transparency to lingering issues and as a councillor who prioritises solutions over party lines.

Rich Hales - Conservative

Stiliyan Petrov - Reform UK

At 22, an electrical apprentice and proud resident of Lapworth, I'm standing for the Warwickshire County Council election because I believe both local and national governments are no longer serving the people or performing the tasks they are elected to do.

My priorities are:

• Lowering council tax by cutting wasteful spending instead of sacrificing frontline services
• Protecting our green spaces and opposing overdevelopment and urban sprawl
• Supporting the NHS, police, and fire services through efficient funding
• Delivering common-sense policies that put people first and benefit communities most

It's time for a fresh approach that puts accountability, practicality, and real-world solutions at the heart of decision-making. 

I'm ready to bring those values to Warwickshire County Council.

Stiliyan Petrov - Reform UK

Kevin Purdy - Labour

I'm Kevin Purdy, originally from Leamington and now live in Kenilworth.  

I'm standing in Lapworth and West Kenilworth to give voters the chance to vote for Labour and real change in the county council.  

My priorities are to challenge the Tory led county council to account for deteriorating services and wasted money. 

If elected I will work with my Labour and other progressive colleagues to fight for the joined-up community health and social care services we need to support vulnerable people in our community as well as implement effective infrastructure planning and the safer, greener transport that we all want.

Kevin Purdy - Labour

Mark Stevens - Green

I've been part of our community for 33 years. 

My community passion is evident as a trustee for the children's charity KidsOut, as a Kenilworth Lion and representing you on Kenilworth Town Council.

My quest is to make a difference to people's lives in our town and rural communities, year in, year out. 

I organised public meetings on the local plan that will shape our town, villages and countryside for decades to come, giving a voice to our residents.

If you want a strong independent voice who will speak up for our community, then vote for me on 1 May.

Mark Stevens - Green