With 16 candidates one local political group is hoping to make a shock come election day.

The Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts (TUSC) is vigorously against cuts to council services.

Locally they’re as concerned about the impact of Kirklees Council cuts as they are about democracy inside the council.

Mike Forster, a spokesperson for Kirklees TUSC, said success in the May 7 elections would be getting a candidate elected to Kirklees Council.

But even a rise in support at the ballot box would send a message for change, he says.

“We are primarily campaigning about the huge cuts the council is imposing. We are determined to fight to save public services.

“If we have councillors they will be doing two things, they’ll be looking at democracy itself because the decisions are being made by the Cabinet, not the council.

“So they’ll be working with others to try and change the culture and lack of accountability.

“Plus our councillors will also, very early on, create a budget based on the needs of the community, not the demands of the coalition government.”

TUSC members are also focusing their efforts on the campaign to save Accident and Emergency Services, with Mike adding: “We’re about saving services for the public.”

The TUSC said the electoral system needs an overhaul.

Mike added: “For the future of the TUSC and other smaller parties we do need to look at how the votes are apportioned. Better proportional representation is needed instead of the first past the post system, because small parties have a lot to offer.”

The TUSC has candidates standing in 16 out of the 23 wards with 24 seats available in Kirklees. The vote is on May 7 with the results announced on May 8.