By the time residents read this, Andy Burnham will have settled into Downing Street as Prime Minister. Regardless of political allegiance, his ascent marks a pivotal moment for Greater Manchester, according to Cheadle MP Tom Morrison. Over nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham collaborated with Morrison on several local priorities that directly impact the Cheadle constituency and wider Stockport area.
Local Knowledge Underpins Collaboration
Morrison recalls sitting down with Burnham to advocate for the long-delayed Cheadle railway station, a project that had languished for years before the Greater Manchester Combined Authority took it seriously. He also worked with the former mayor on the Campaign for Gigi, which pushed for stronger safer sleep guidance in early years settings – a policy now being embedded nationally. Burnham’s familiarity with Stepping Hill Hospital and the recurring flooding that afflicts parts of Cheadle, Bramhall, Heald Green and Gatley gives him an understanding that most Westminster leaders lack, Morrison argues.
Change at Number 10 Not a Panacea
Morrison emphasises that a new face at Number 10 does not automatically solve the everyday concerns residents raise with him. Bins, potholes, GP appointments and the cost of living remain pressing issues that will not ease overnight simply because a Mancunian occupies the top job. He notes that warm rhetoric about the North has been delivered by prime ministers of all parties before, and local people are rightly sceptical until they see tangible results.
“I will not pretend a change of face at Number 10 solves the problems residents raise with me every week,” Morrison wrote. “Warm words about the North have been made before by prime ministers of every colour, and residents here are rightly sceptical until they see delivery.”
Holding Government to Account
The Liberal Democrat MP insists his approach will remain unchanged: he will continue raising flooding, Stepping Hill’s pressures and transport links directly in Parliament, and hold the new government to the same standard he applied to the previous one. While acknowledging that Burnham understands Stockport better than most previous occupants of Number 10, Morrison stresses that understanding must translate into concrete action for the area.
“Andy Burnham understands Stockport better than most occupants of Number 10 before him,” Morrison concluded. “Now residents here will want to see whether that understanding translates into action for our area, and I intend to keep pushing until it does.”
