"You're joking. Not another one?" may be the reaction as voters go to the polls for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election. After campaigns in Gorton, Denton, Makerfield, and local councils, this is the fourth election of the year in Greater Manchester, and it is only July.
Casting a ballot for a new mayor means selecting the person best placed to handle a multi-billion pound budget, the Bee Network, policing oversight, housing, regeneration, adult skills, and aspects of health policy across the city region. The winner will become the public face of England's largest city region outside London.
Seven Candidates in the Running
Seven candidates are vying to become the new mayor: Reform UK's Sian Astley, Green Geraldine Coggins, Labour's Bev Craig, Conservative Phil Eckersley, Lib Dem Richard Kilpatrick, Restore Britain's Marlon West, and Independent Marcus Farmer. Turnout has struggled since the mayoralty was created, with 29 per cent in 2017. This year's election has been overshadowed by Andy Burnham heading to Westminster and Nigel Farage contesting in Clacton-on-Sea, potentially lowering turnout further.
"If you don't vote you can't moan," the newsletter notes, emphasizing that democracy works best when people participate. Voting closes after 18 months without elections in Greater Manchester.
Remembering Terry Lewis
Terry Lewis, who has died aged 90, was Labour MP for Worsley from 1983 to 2005. Known as 'El Tel', he called everyone 'kid' with an affable manner. He was fearless and once confronted then Prime Minister John Major in the House of Commons, asking: "Why don't you resign you plonker?" The maverick socialist represented a Tory enclave in Salford.
Pollard Yard: A Hub for Start-ups
Near Holt Town tram stop, a maze of shipping containers called Pollard Yard serves as a hub for creative and promising start-ups. Owners Meanwhile Creative are expanding the site, which offers easy, opt-out contracts, 24/7 access, on-site parking, and a café.
Crime Data Discrepancy
According to Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood data, just four crimes were committed in Piccadilly Gardens in the last 12 months. Data journalist Richard Ault and chief reporter Neal Keeling investigated why it appears hardly any crimes were recorded there.
Weather and Traffic
Friday: Sunny intervals, 19C. Road closures: A671 Rochdale Road, Royton, northbound closed for roadworks from Middleton Road to Market Square until January 29. A58 Gerard Street Westbound, Ashton-in-Makerfield closed due to roadworks from A5062 Wigan Road to A58 / A49 (Kings Arms traffic lights) until November 22.
