The Conservative candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Phil Eckersley, has pledged more support to the boroughs of the region in an interview with Roch Valley Radio.
He claims that there has been too much support for the city centre, whilst the towns on the outskirts of the city have been left behind.
Eckersley specifically mentioned the increase of crime in the region’s boroughs, saying that people in towns such as Rochdale are “too scared to walk home after 8pm”, due to the fear of anti-social behaviour.
He placed some of the blame for this on GMP (Greater Manchester Police), who he said had failed to tackle anti-social behaviour. He said that crime has increased because people think that “they can get away with it.”
As mayor, he wants to see more stop and searches, as well as greater police presence across the region, and not just in the city centre.
Besides crime, Eckersley also wants to build more affordable homes across the region. He said that his focus was building on brownfield sites, so that green spaces across Greater Manchester could be protected. He also pledged to support local businesses saying that he would be the “most pro-business mayor Greater Manchester has ever had”.
Eckersley’s main policies are very similar to that of Labour candidate Bev Craig- more affordable houses, a focus on the boroughs outside of the city centre and support for small businesses. But why does Eckersley think people should be voting for him instead of Craig?
Well, he thinks that Labour have failed to deliver for the region, despite being in control of the mayoralty since it was established in 2015. He said that Andy Burnham, Mayor between 2017 and 2026, had “spent a million on PR and marketing”, in a bid to convince the people of Greater Manchester that his policies were successful. Specifically, Eckersley referenced the Bee Network, saying that whilst it is perceived to be a success, it doesn’t actually work for people in the boroughs. He said that people should be able to easily use the Bee Network to get between town centres, without having to go via central Manchester.
He also criticised the fact that the Metrolink fails to meet the needs of everyone in Greater Manchester, stating that it ought to serve the people of “Wigan, Bolton and Stockport.”
Eckersley has also promised greater transparency surrounding public finances, taking aim at Burnham for increasing the Mayor’s tax by 127% whilst in office. He also criticised Bev Craig for increasing council tax in each year she had lead Manchester City Council.
The Greater Manchester Mayoral by-election takes place this Thursday 30th July.
Reform candidate Sian Astley promises transparency, stronger policing and fairer investment across Greater Manchester
Bev Craig outlines plans for Greater Manchester in Roch Valley Radio interview
Geraldine Coggins outlines Green Party vision for Greater Manchester mayoral election
Reform UK mayoral candidate backs campaign to reopen Bury Castle Armoury
Reform UK launches Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto with tax, policing and transport pledges
