JULY 4 will be known for something else than American Independence Day this year – it is the date the country goes to the polls in a general election.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s call for a summer vote took many by surprise but campaigns are up and running and questions being asked?
A new name is on the political landscape after boundaries were redrawn – Gorton and Denton.
The constituency of Denton and Reddish, which also included Dukinfield and Audenshaw, has been replaced by this latest area.
Denton is now the only Tameside town to be included after it was paired with the Manchester City Council areas of Gorton, Abbey Hey, Burnage, Levenshulme and Longsight.
One former Tameside councillor is standing against Andrew Gwynne after Ruth Welsh was named as the Conservative Party’s candidate.
Here, both state their reasons why they should receive your vote.
ANDREW GWYNNE (LABOUR)
I AM delighted to be standing as the Labour Party candidate for the new seat of Gorton and Denton at this election.
Created by the recent boundary review, this seat joins Denton with the Manchester wards of Gorton and Abbey Hey, Levenshulme, Longsight, and Burnage.
I want to say a big thank you to my former constituents in Audenshaw and Dukinfield, whom it has been a pleasure to represent over the last 19 years as the MP for Denton and Reddish.
My focus between now and polling day is to speak to voters across the new constituency about my record of delivery and the change a Labour Government can deliver for local people.
Labour will clean up our waterways and protecting the natural environment, so we can continue to enjoy fabulous green spaces like the Tame Valley.
We will provide the economic stability our high streets need to thrive, ensuring we can build on the progress we have seen in Destination Denton over recent years.
We will crack down on the anti-social behaviour that blights people’s lives, putting more bobbies on the beat across our town.
But what this election is fundamentally about, is change.
Our communities have real potential, but they’ve been held back by 14 years of a Tory Government that has put us at the bottom of the pile.
I want to work hand in hand with a Labour Government that will invest in Denton and give people and businesses here the brighter future they deserve.
RUTH WELSH (CONSERVATIVE)
I AM honoured to stand as the Conservative Party candidate for the new seat of Gorton and Denton.
I have always lived in Tameside, I understand the area well and I am passionate about elected politicians doing the very best they can to represent constituents.
I was a Councillor on Tameside Council for 17 years, which confirms how important public service is to me.
I know the past few years have been challenging, following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and Covid-19. However, only the Conservatives have a clear plan to deliver a brighter and more secure future.
The same things that matter to you matter to me, which is why I welcomed the recent manifesto pledge to keep our streets safer by recruiting 8,000 more full-time, fully warranted police.
I also understand the concerns regarding housing and believe everyone should have the opportunity to own their own home if they wish.
The Conservatives will build much needed family homes, cutting red tape for builders whilst protecting precious green spaces and prioritising brownfield and urban sites for development.
The plan is working – inflation is back to normal. The plans to reduce National Insurance contributions to six per cent by April 2027, along with the cuts already delivered this year, will mean a total tax cut of £1,350 for the average worker.
Furthermore, the triple lock plus would ensure no pensioner will pay income tax on their state pension.
The choice for voters at this election is clear – stick with the Conservatives.
Also standing are Amir Burney (Workers Party of Britain), Amanda Gardner (Green Party), Lee Moffitt (Reform UK) and John Reid (Liberal Democrats). The Correspondent has attempted to contact them for their statements.