Phil Eckersley, a former yoga instructor, qualified racing car driver, and wine expert, is setting aside his hobbies to stand as the Conservative candidate in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election. He describes himself as a 'new Conservative' with faith in Kemi Badenoch to revive the party and win back voters. Despite polling placing him fifth, Eckersley remains undeterred, stating, 'I don't really trust polling. Labour polled 65 per cent at the last mayoral election with Andy Burnham. That's reduced to 33 per cent so those votes have got to go somewhere.'
Transparency and Accountability
Eckersley, 40, promises to 'open up the books' and 'publish receipts' on money spent by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). He criticizes the current system where finances are 'buried very deep inside reports and nobody reads them. They are inaccessible for the normal person.' He plans to create clear dashboards for residents to see where money comes from and where it is spent, including loans.
Meeting in Altrincham town centre, Eckersley is serious and forthright about his plans. He refers to the mayoral precept as the 'mayor's tax' and argues residents are not getting value for money. He claims the Bee Network, often hailed as Andy Burnham's success, is 'failing,' costing taxpayers too much, and failing to serve parts of the city-region. 'Just because you paint the buses yellow doesn't make it a great service,' he says, emphasizing the need to connect outer boroughs like Wigan to Bolton, Bolton to Bury, and Rochdale to Oldham.
Financial Experience and Local Roots
Eckersley studied commercial management and quantitative earning at the University of Manchester and has 16 years of experience running a domiciliary care business, which he started after his family's 'poor experience' with the care sector for his grandma. He takes pride in making a real difference in people's lives, reducing stress for family carers. Born in Tameside, raised in Droylsden and Oldham, he now lives in Trafford with his wife and daughter and serves as a councillor in Bowden. 'I know I’m one of the few candidates that actually understand Greater Manchester,' he says, noting his local upbringing and business experience.
Scrutiny and Police Reform
Eckersley believes there is a 'democratic deficit' with the mayor's office and insufficient scrutiny, as most councils are Labour-run. He wants local people and charitable organizations to have more voice. As police and crime commissioner, he would increase police presence to 'make our streets safer again' and 'clean up' Piccadilly Gardens. He blames Andy Burnham for the 'disastrous' iOps system that cost £27 million and failed to record an estimated 80,000 crimes in 12 months. 'Police officers have had to revert back to pen and paper. That to me is an absolutely disgraceful situation,' he says.
Priorities and Vision
Eckersley pledges to cut business rates, protect green spaces, and encourage brownfield development. He insists on a broader approach to attract investment across the region, not just the city centre. 'We need to create an environment overall across Greater Manchester that engages businesses and makes them want to set up in places like Leigh, Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Oldham,' he says. He criticizes Labour and Green candidates for focusing on tax increases, while he brings creativity on efficiency and value for residents.
Ultimately, Eckersley says his business and council experience give him a 'broad approach' and the ability to 'understand the nuances' around the region. 'I have a reasonableness that means I understand all the different regions’ concerns and their priorities,' he concludes.
