This week has been a reminder of the breadth of work we do as a council and as a Labour administration – from policy discussions at a national level to engaging directly with residents in our communities. It’s been a week of collaboration, campaigning, and celebration.
Monday began with our final Let’s Talk Trafford session of the year, bringing together colleagues from across the council. Topics of discussion included finance, Old Trafford Regeneration, and Artificial Intelligence. Old Trafford Regeneration was a discussion point later in the day, where I joined a meeting of the Shadow Mayoral Development Corporation Board. The meeting was chaired by Lord Seb Coe and we were joined at Trafford Town Hall by Andy Burnham. This is one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the country, but it has to work for our residents here in Trafford- from new job opportunities to an increase in affordable housing.
On Tuesday, I travelled to London to join other Labour council leaders for a day summit organised by the Local Government Association Labour Group. This was an opportunity to share experiences with council leaders from across the country and to press the case for fairer funding for local government. The challenges we face in Trafford – including rising demand for social care and the need for sustainable housing– are echoed nationwide. It was encouraging to hear speakers across the day, including government ministers, recognise the important role local councils play, supporting local communities each and every day.
First thing on Wednesday I joined Deputy Leader Liz Patel and Manor Ward Councillor Keleigh Glenton and a walkabout in her ward. Keleigh took us around parts of her ward where she has been responding to local issues. Liz and I find these walkabouts very valuable- walking and talking can also help with problem solving. Later that day I joined colleagues in the ward I represent -Stretford & Humphrey Park- for a doorknocking session in freezing temperatures. We picked up on local lighting issues and responded to questions about the town centre regeneration.
Although there was a local by-election in Hale on Thursday, I spent time on the doorstep with my colleagues in Longford Ward instead. A mix of issues came up on the doors, from trees to traffic.
Following the session I caught the tram to Sale to join Mike Kane MP and Trafford Labour colleagues at two brilliant events that showcased the cultural vibrancy of Trafford. The first event was the formal reopening of Sale Library following refurbishment. Libraries are more than buildings; they are hubs of learning and opportunity, and it was fantastic to see this space revitalised. Following this celebration, I joined colleagues for the launch of PRISM 2025 at Waterside Arts. This is the third PRISM -a winter festival of music and light- and it was brilliant to see the Waterside curate another celebration of arts and culture for all ages.
Friday included strategic meetings, such as the GM Food Programme Board in Manchester and the Community Partnership Trafford Board at Trafford College. Both these bodies are new, and I believe they will be valuable tools for tackling food insecurity and building stronger neighbourhoods.
Finally, on Saturday morning I joined Andrew Western MP and colleagues for a doorknocking session in Partington. Later that day I was delighted to attend the Indian Art & Cultural Festival at Flixton Girls School – a wonderful celebration of diversity and creativity in our borough.