Richard Kilpatrick, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Greater Manchester mayor, is campaigning on a platform of revolutionary social care reform, truly affordable housing, and eventually free public transport for all. Despite polling at just 7.6% of first-preference support according to FocalData, Kilpatrick argues that a "sensible, liberal-minded, progressive voice" is needed after "ten years of absolute chaos" since Brexit.
Experience and Underdog Status
Kilpatrick, elected to Manchester Council for Didsbury West in 2018, has worked alongside Lib Dem veteran John Leech. As one of just four Lib Dem councillors in Manchester, he is accustomed to being the underdog, a position he believes allows him to get things done. Meeting at Sip wine bar in West Didsbury, the owners opened early as a favour after Kilpatrick helped them during the pandemic.
When asked why he is running despite slim chances, Kilpatrick points to the supplementary vote system: "That first vote as far as I'm concerned should be for the person who is the best person to do the job and has the best vision for the Greater Manchester region. Then if you are really scared about who may or may not win, then use your second vote tactically."
Rebuilding Trust and Social Care
Kilpatrick's campaign focuses on trust, saying the bond between people and politicians is "broken." He wants to make the city-region "affordable again" and improve access to social care, a deeply personal issue. His mother, Sharon, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at 56 and died four years ago; his father died less than a year later. Kilpatrick spent two weeks in a care home with his mother and was struck by the dedication of staff on minimum wage.
He promises a full assessment of social care access, provision, and affordability from day one, and wants to make caring an "internationally renowned profession." "If we are serious as a country that part of our identity is that healthcare is universal, then I think social care has to be universal as well," he says.
Housing and Transport
On housing, Kilpatrick criticizes foreign investment in the city centre at the expense of social and cooperative housing, taking inspiration from Scandinavia. He believes the affordable housing model needs a "shake up." For transport, he supports the Bee Network but advocates for free travel, particularly for gig economy workers, though it "might take 20 years."
Police, Homelessness, and Immigration
Kilpatrick wants Greater Manchester Police officers to carry anti-opioid medication to reverse overdoses, a pilot scheme in Merseyside, but says he has "hit a brickwall" with GMP. On homelessness, he calls Andy Burnham's goal to end rough sleeping "not realistic" and wants better wrap-around provision, particularly for refugees left homeless after gaining status. He would push for accelerated asylum processing and the right to work for asylum seekers.
On immigration, Kilpatrick says tackling infrastructure and housing would ease anxieties. "We're a city region that ultimately values diversity, it's part of our identity," he says.
