A long serving Peterborough City Councillor has announced she will not seek re-election in May.

Cllr Julie Stevenson has represented the Orton Waterville Ward in Peterborough since 2018 – first as a Green Party councillor, and more recently as an Independent.

In 2022, when she last faced election, she secured more votes than any other candidate in the city, and had been the leader of the Green Party in the city. She was also the first Green Party councillor to be elected in Peterborough.

She has been a vocal campaigner against anti-social car meetings, that have caused misery to residents in her ward, amongst other issues.

Cllr Julie Stevenson, who is not seeking re-election in the May 7 local elections

placeholder image — Cllr Julie Stevenson, who is not seeking re-election in the May 7 local elections

While she is stepping back from the City Council, she will continue to serve as a Parish Councillor in the Ortons.

In a statement, she said: “After eight years serving Orton Waterville ward on the city council, I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election at the forthcoming elections.

“It has been a genuine honour to represent our community, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support residents have shown me throughout this time.

“During my tenure, I have worked to stand up for Orton, opposing plans for an access road between Lynchwood and Wistow Way, supporting residents through the pandemic, campaigning for action over the anti-social use of cars on local streets, assisting many individuals and families facing difficult circumstances and continuing to advocate for the future of our speedway team and showground.

“In recent years, my family responsibilities have grown, particularly as my mother is living with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, making it increasingly difficult to give this role the time and attention it deserves.

“It has been a privilege to serve my ward and the city, and I look forward to continuing to support the Orton area as a parish councillor.”

Standing to replace cllr Stevenson in the Orton Waterville ward are: Stephen Arnott (Reform UK), Steve Bailey (Labour Party), Alex Bowerbanks (Green Party), Sanjaya Dodamgoda (Conservative Party), Ray Knight (Independent).

A list of all the candidates standing in the local elections in Peterborough is available at https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/politics/local-elections-2026-who-is-standing-in-every-peterborough-ward-on-may-7-6569964?page=1