Manchester Lib Dems Election De-Brief 2011

On Saturday 4th March senior Liberal Democrats in Manchester met to discuss the implications of the local election results for the party in the City of Manchester.

The gathering of party activists, including councillors and former councillors considered some detailed analysis of voting patterns, canvassing data and turnout across the City as a first step to working out exactly what the message from the City’s electors was on polling day.

Marc Ramsbottom, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Manchester, told members that “People in this city have given us a clear message. We need to continue to fight against Labour waste in the Town Hall, but we also need to stand up for this City and tell this Government when it has got things wrong.”

“It is clear that Labour have heard the wrong message from the people of Manchester. They have heard that they now have councillors in every ward in this City and believe that that gives them carte blanche to do whatever they please. As the only opposition to Labour in this City is it our duty to challenge that Labour arrogance, and to ensure that we represent the people of Manchester to the best of our ability.”

Local campaigner Grace Baynham and Councillor Iain Donaldson are standing for election to Manchester City Council today, 5th May 2011.

Grace Baynham has worked with the local Lib Dem team for a number of years helping out with surveying, delivering leaflets, clerical support and supporting local campaigns.  Grace lives in Burnage and works as the manager of a Medical Practice.

Cllr Iain Donaldson has represented the Burnage Ward for 7 years and has worked closely with local residents and residents groups in Burnage to improve our local area and services for our local community.  Iain works at the University of Manchester on a project researching self-harm at theCentre for Suicide Prevention.

Iain’s local credentials include:

• Governor at Green End Primary School
• Governor at Ladybarn Primary School (with effect from hard Federation)
• Trustee at Burnage Multi-Agency Group
• Member of the Friends of Fog Lane Park
• Member of the Friends of Cringle Park and Fields
• Advisory Member of the Westcroft Community Project Steering Committee
• Member of the Burnage Sports Alliance

Iain regularly attends meetings of the Burnage Tenants and Residents Assocation, Burnage South Tenants and Residents Association and the Burnage Community Association. Iain works closely with the Burnage Garden Village Management Committee, the Burnage Good Neighbours and the Burnage in Bloom team.

Grace Baynham, Cllr Iain Donaldson and Cllr Bill Fisher hold regular advice sessions every monday evening and satuday afternoon (more than any other councillors in the City) and keep in touch all year round with their regular surveying and their local Focus newsletters.

John Leech MP stated “In Iain Donaldson Burnage has an excellent hard working local councillor who knows the area, the people and the community he represents.  Iain is never afraid of speaking up for the people of Burnage and is a strong voice for our area.”

“Grace Baynham has been working for the people of Burnage for some time now as a member and helper of the Liberal Democrats.  She is a very astute politician who will make a valuable addition to our local team here in Burnage.”

Your local Lib Dem Councillors have helped the Friends Group get funding for equipment in the park, and always support their annual fun day.  We have also helped getting the park cleaned up and supported the work of the Friends Group towards achieving green flag status for the Park.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors and John Leech MP have worked closely with the Management Committee and the Social Section to help bring improvements to the village such as tree planting and new sports equipment for the hall.

We support the theatrical group when they have their productions and we are currently working to get the historic post-box reinstated on Main Avenue.

Your Lib Dem Councillors have done a lot of work to support the Friends Group over the years including negotiating for the fencing along Crossley Road, getting the changing rooms upgraded and the new shutters fitted, getting the hardcore area and fencing it off, tree planting and getting benches and litter bins on the fields.

Your Lib Dem Councillors were also instrumental in getting the annual gathering of travellers removed from the fields and in helping get the security barriers installed to help prevent further incursions.

Liberal Democrat Councillors have worked closely with the Burnage South Tenants and Residents Association to tackle problems and issues affecting the area.

The Theatrical section shows are supported by the local Liberal Democrats, and when there was a major issue with access to the stage Lib Dem Councillor Iain Donaldson helped to arrange for Southway to build a new set of steps to the exact specification of the theatrical section.

The show can now go on, and indeed will be doing so this Friday and Saturday 6th and 7th May.

Your Lib Dem Councillors have supported the popular local Love Burnage festival held at St Margarets Church each year from the outset both with cash grants and by turning up and enjoying the event on the day.

Cllr Iain Donaldson said “This event has become a major annual fixture in the Burnage calendar.  It is open to the whole community and attracts massive local support.  Hats off to the organising team for an excellent celebration of all that is Burnage.”

Cllr Iain Donaldson is an advisory member of the steering committee that set up the Westcroft Community Project at the former housing office on Westcroft Road.  As well as providing a meeting place for the local community the Project also provides educational services and help for people looking to upskill to get into work or to get a better job.

Your Lib Dem Councillors work closely with the tenants association on issues affecting the area, and support their work in tackling problems affecting our local community.