Below is the latest post in our series of Q&As with election candidates standing to be councillors in Preston.

The election takes place on Thursday 3 May 2012 and we’ve emailed this list of questions or posted it through every candidate’s door so you can find out what’s beyond the name on the ballot paper and what they will do for your local area if elected.

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Full name? Michael Lavalette

Party? I’m standng as an independent – mainly because I only decided to stand late in the day. If I’d agreed earlier, I’d be standing as a formal candidate of the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition.

I’m a member of the SWP (and have been for over 30 years).

Ward? Town Centre

Occupation? Professor of Social Work, Liverpool Hope University

What has made you decide to stand for election? I was ward councillor for 8 years. I’m standing against cuts and austerity and for proper political representation. Due to some family issues, I was not going to stand. The election of George Galloway in Bradford convinced me I should – to be part of a broader campaign to rebuild the electoral left project.

What are the key issues for your ward? Cuts, housing conditions, defence of welfare.

If you were elected, how would you keep your constituents informed? As before – regular stalls in the ward and newsletters. Going to meet people wherever they meet!

Anything else to add? We need an alternative to the three main parties of cuts and war. We need appropriate representation. I’m in favour of fighting austerity and promoting equality, social justice and a sustainable environment. I support the campaign to invest in one million green jobs. I’m an active anti-racist and oppose all attempts to divide our communities. We can afford all this – we are the fifth richest country in the world. We need to tax the rich and invest in public services.

View a map below showing the other candidates standing for election in Town Centre and across the city.

View Election 2012: Local election candidates standing for Preston City Council in a larger map

If you’re a candidate standing for election, please send us your answers to the questions above along with a photo of yourself we can use to go with the piece. Please email it to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk as soon as possible.