Salford residents will head to the polls next month to vote in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election – and the Conservative candidate standing has been announced.
The Conservative Party has announced Trafford councillor Phil Eckersley as its candidate to be the next Greater Manchester Mayor.
The local businessman was confirmed as their runner on Sunday and he will go up against Labour’s Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, as well as the Green Party’s Geraldine Coggins, who is also a Trafford councillor.
Labour has pitched it as a two-party race against Reform UK, which made sweeping gains in the area during the local elections.
But the Greens will also be aiming to win votes from Labour following their success in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
MP Rupert Lowe has said his Restore party will stand a candidate. Reform has yet to announce its would-be mayor.
The mayoral by-election is scheduled for July 30, and Trafford Council’s Bowdon Ward representative, Mr Eckersley, said he is “honoured to have been selected”.
Mr Eckersley, who founded Bridgewater Care Home in Wigan in 2010, which employs more than 100 people, added: “Greater Manchester is my home, and it’s a region with enormous potential, but too often decisions are made with a focus on Manchester city centre – with the outer boroughs getting left behind.
“As a business owner, father and local councillor, I understand the challenges facing families, businesses and communities across our city-region.
“From pressure on public services and concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, to congestion, housing and the need for stronger local economies, these are issues I have dealt with directly throughout my professional and public life.
“The Conservative Party has a clear vision for Greater Manchester – safer streets, better transport, thriving local businesses, responsible development and value for taxpayers’ money.”
Three other political parties have announced their candidates for the mayoral race:
Geraldine Coggins, a Trafford councillor, is the Green candidate.
Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, is the Labour candidate.
Marlon West, a campaigner against sexual abuse, is the Restore Britain candidate.
More information about the other two candidates in the race to become Greater Manchester Mayor can be found here.
By Pol Allingham, Press Association
