Hellraiser actor stands for Greens in Woodside vote
VINCE: A VOTE FOR ME MEANS A VOTE FOR EQUALITY AND SENSIBLE SOLUTIONS
AN actor who appeared in the 1980s cult horror series Hellraiser has been chosen as the Green Party candidate in a Croydon council by-election.
Nicholas Vince, most famous for his roles as the Chatterer, one of the monstrous Cenobites in the films Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II, will contest the upcoming Woodside by-election on May 2.
The election was triggered by Labour councillor Mike Bonello’s resignation in January. Mr Bonello, who was first elected in 2012, cited the pressures of his job as a social worker as the reason for his resignation.
The by-election will take place on the same day as the London Mayoral and London Assembly elections.
The Woodside ward is considered a Labour stronghold, with its two other serving councillors also representing the party.
Mr Vince is the latest candidate chosen for the upcoming election, with all the other main parties having already announced their candidates.
Labour have put forward Jess Rich. In a statement, Croydon Labour said: “Jess will be a hardworking and strong voice for Woodside, working alongside current councillors Amy Foster and Brigitte Graham.”
Croydon Conservatives have chosen engineer Titilope Adeoye as their candidate, while the Lib Dems have selected Jahir Hussain, a religious charity worker.
Mr Vince, who has lived in Woodside with his partner for the past 17 years, was previously secretary and data management lead at Sutton and Croydon Green Party. Outside of politics, he has worked as an actor, author and filmmaker.
As an actor, he is best known for his role in Clive Barker’s Hellraiser films. He has also written numerous short stories and is planning his first novel.
In a statement published last Monday (April 8), Mr Vince said: “Sometimes it feels overwhelming when I look at politicians who ignore those who they’re supposed to support, who demonise minorities, and who simply ignore the dramatic changes in our environment.
“Under the two parties who have run the council, we have seen disappearing bus stops, major failings in financial management at Croydon Town Hall, and squandered opportunities to support local arts groups during the Year of Culture, and all we hear is that it’s the other one’s fault.
“I joined the Green Party in September 2020 as I wanted to work locally to tackle the issues facing us, as I believe locally is where lasting change happens.
“I had also realised that just shouting at the TV wasn’t helping anyone.
“We need councillors who will listen to residents and work wholeheartedly to hold the Mayor of Croydon to account and that’s what I want to do.
“But it isn’t just about criticising the other parties – I also believe in dialogue to work out the best solution for local people. Voting for the Green Party means a vote for equality, sensible solutions, and our environment.”