This week, residents of Greater Manchester are gearing up for what is anticipated to be the largest by-election in our nation’s history.
The decision at hand is stark: it’s a choice between making daily life more convenient and affordable for everyone, or relinquishing control to those who seek to sow division among us.
I am confident that come Thursday, we will opt to progress collectively and shape a future that caters to all of us. Throughout its history, Greater Manchester has been known for paving its own way, being the birthplace of the industrial revolution, trade unions, cooperative movements, suffragettes, and the fight for equality.
Despite experiencing rapid economic growth, many individuals still find life excessively challenging. To address this, I have set a straightforward benchmark for myself as a potential Mayor – every decision I make will aim to lower costs and enhance convenience for all. One of my initial actions will be to provide free bus travel to all 11–18-year-olds, saving families £500 annually and affirming that every young person in our region has the freedom to explore.
The prosperity of Greater Manchester hinges on all its residents reaping the rewards, yet too often, people witness progress without feeling its benefits. To rectify this, I, alongside Andy Burnham, initiated the Good Growth Fund to ensure that growth extends to all areas. While Andy focuses on this nationwide as Prime Minister, I will concentrate on implementing it locally as Mayor.
Good growth is not mere rhetoric; it entails well-paying, secure jobs and revitalizing town centers. If elected Mayor, I will build upon Andy’s efforts and ensure that every young person receives adequate career guidance, work opportunities, and a clear path to secure employment. I will also utilize the revenue generated from city center growth to establish a High Streets Fund, rejuvenating all our town centers. Additionally, I will crack down on detrimental businesses, support local independent establishments, and restore pride in our high streets.
I am combatting grievance and division with a campaign based on the optimistic and proactive attitude of this community. My approach is both radical and pragmatic, as combating divisive populism necessitates putting more money in people’s pockets and offering hope for a brighter tomorrow.
With Andy potentially leading from No10 (North!) and myself as Mayor, alongside the resilient spirit of this region, our potential is boundless.
Growing up in social housing, I understand firsthand the importance of having a secure roof over one’s head during tough times. Unfortunately, many individuals today struggle to secure a decent, affordable home.
During my tenure as Manchester’s Leader, we constructed more council and social homes in a single year than in the past quarter-century. If elected Mayor, I will intensify these efforts by building a new wave of council housing – 50,000 homes across all boroughs accessible to everyone.
This new generation of council homes will pave the way for our youth to thrive. I am proud of Andy Burnham’s endorsement of my plans and his commitment, as Prime Minister, to bolstering council housing to provide the same security I once had.
As I campaign for Mayor, I am actively engaging with the community by participating in a Parkrun across every borough of Greater Manchester. I express my gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who keep our sports and running clubs vibrant.
I have been delighted to see numerous supporters, occasional Secretary of State appearances, and even the new Prime Minister joining these events! However, I maintain a strict dress code for politicians – shorts are off-limits!
Given the significance of this impending by-election, all signs point to a close contest. The initial poll results showed Labour with 33% and Reform with 30%. Despite political turmoil elsewhere, every vote counts in this election. We require a Mayor with a proven track record of advocating for ordinary citizens and delivering tangible results.
