Lib Dem attacks Tory plans for a 'Ken of the North'

1.49.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 28th Jun 2007

Today, Lib Dem MP, Andrew Stunell, criticised Tory proposals to create a city-regional Mayor for Manchester who would take control of transport, policing, planning and waste disposal for Greater Manchester. Commenting on the plans, Mr Stunell said:

"I have never met a Stockport resident who wants a 'Ken of the North' ruling the roost from Manchester.

"These plans just highlight how out-of-step the Tories are with local people. The idea of elected mayors has gone down like a lead balloon right across the country. It would be utter folly for Greater Manchester.

"The Tories taskforce proposal is complete twaddle, and I hope local Tory councillors will join me in fighting against this policy.

"Lib Dems understand that communities know best how they should be governed. It is vital that they should be allowed to make these decisions themselves and not have local decision-making snatched away."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The full proposals laid out by the Tories' Cities Taskforce can be found at www.regen.net/doc

2. There have been Mayoral referendums in 32 areas of England: 20 have been lost and only 12 mayors approved.