Friday, 31st March 2017;Manchester Metropolitan University hosts
Business Focussed Mayoral Hustings
Five
Mayoral candidates came to Manchester Metropolitan University last night and
spoke to businesses, academics and students in an attempt to gain their votes
in the upcoming inaugural Manchester Mayoral Elections. The candidates spoke
about issues affecting businesses and the economy in Greater Manchester.
Candidates in attendance were as follows:
• Andy Burnham – Labour
• Sean Anstee – Conservative
• Jane Brophy – Liberal Democrats
• Will Patterson – Green Party
• Stephen Morris – English Democrats
Shneur Odze from UKIP also accepted the invitation to speak, but did not
attend.
The responsibilities of the Manchester Mayor will be greater than their
counterpart in London, and they will join the Greater Manchester Combined
Authority as their eleventh member of the city region’s cabinet. He or she will
have powers over policing, fire, housebuilding and transport, as well as
influence in other areas – such as health and social care – in addition to a
considerable voice on the national stage.
Over 300 people turned out to question the candidates, and hear what their
policies would be, should they win the election on the 4th May. Public
transport dominated the debate, along with homelessness and other issues such
as tourism and engaging young people in politics.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malcolm Press,
welcomed the candidates and delegates to the Business School.
He said: “The Mayoral election marks a huge change in how our city region is
governed. As an institution we will engage with the first directly elected
Mayor, as we do with the existing leaders across Greater Manchester. We were
delighted to host a hustings event with partners in the business community and
welcome a robust and intelligent scrutiny of the candidates.”
With just over a month left until the 4th of May, the election of the Mayor of
Greater Manchester is a landmark event in the process of devolving substantial
power in the region, and an exciting opportunity for residents to impact the
decision making process on local issues that affect them every day.
