The Green Party candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, Geraldine Coggins, has pledged to support the extension of the Metrolink tramline from East Didsbury into Stockport, aiming to deliver a 'world class transport system' for the region. Coggins, a Trafford councillor, made the promise during a campaign event in Hollywood Park, Stockport, as the race to replace Andy Burnham heats up.
Three Candidates Already in the Race
The mayoral election, scheduled for July 30, has so far attracted three candidates. Alongside Coggins, Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig is standing for Labour, and Marlon West, a campaigner against child sexual exploitation, represents Restore Britain. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority oversees key areas including health, transport, housing, major developments, jobs, policing, and emergency services, giving the next mayor significant influence over residents' daily lives.
Green Party Sees Opportunity Amid Labour Struggles
The Green Party aims to capitalise on recent gains in boroughs like Manchester and MP Hannah Spencer's victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election. They argue that the contest for mayor is now between the Greens and Reform UK, citing local election results. Coggins said she agrees with much of Burnham's transport policy but wants to go further, focusing on serving outer areas rather than just the centre. She declined to provide full details until the party's manifesto is released later in the campaign.
Trams Part of a Broader Transport Vision
While supporting the tram extension, Coggins noted that 'trams are an expensive and slow solution' and emphasised that buses and active transport—such as walking, scooting, and cycling—can be implemented more cheaply and quickly. 'Trams are part of the solution but not the whole solution,' she said. As mayor, her priorities would include tackling the cost of living and building an inclusive economy across the region.
Green Voice in Westminster
Coggins positioned herself in opposition to Reform UK, stating she would 'really welcome our diverse community and celebrate that we are all different.' She argued that if Labour loses Greater Manchester, a Green mayor would send a powerful signal to Westminster, similar to the Gorton and Denton by-election. 'If they have lost a really important job to the Green Party, they are going to have to listen to what people voting Green want,' she said.
Party Deputy Leader Confident of Success
Deputy Green Party leader Rachel Millward joined Coggins on the campaign trail. Despite the party's weaker performance in outer boroughs like Oldham, Millward expressed confidence, saying, 'We know that once we get campaigning, people come over to us.' She added that the party would focus on affordable and social housing, high streets, green spaces, and net-zero initiatives. 'It's not about ripping up things that are good. It's about doing more,' Millward stated.
