LABOUR losing one of its safest seats in Tameside is a ‘clear message’ as its council ‘needs to deliver more for people,’ says MP Jonathan Reynolds.
Allan Hopwood became Reform UK’s first ever councillor in Greater Manchester when he swept home in a by-election on Thursday, April 10.
His 911 votes placed him 422 ahead of Francesca Macdonald Coates, who had hoped to retain Labour’s control following the resignation of Jacqueline North.
But that result, along with Cllr Gary Ferguson quitting the party to stand as an Independent, leaves only Cllr Jacqueline Owen in what was regarded as a strong seat.
In May last year, she won the local election with a majority of 950, showing how big a swing this result represented.
And Stalybridge and Hyde MP Mr Reynolds, himself a former Longdendale councillor and in whose constituency the ward sits, admitted this cannot be ignored or brushed off.
The country’s Business Secretary told the Correspondent: “Residents in Longdendale have sent a clear message and we must hear that and respond.
“It’s clear that many people feel frustrated and I want to be clear that has been heard.
“The council needs to deliver more for people, which is why I wholeheartedly welcome the efforts of the new leader and chief executive to do things differently and communicate much more actively with residents.
“We must now double down and show residents that it is only Labour who can deliver the services, strong local economy and security people deserve.
“Delivering for the people of Tameside – as a Secretary of State and as a local MP – has always been and will remain my top priority, from introducing better rights for workers, to supporting businesses through our industrial strategy and delivering key infrastructure like the Longdendale bypass.”
The new Cllr Hopwood’s win is seen by many as the first of a wave of support for Reform UK and the win did not go unnoticed by its leader, Nigel Farage MP.
He took to social media to proclaim: “This is Reform UK’s most extraordinary win yet.
“Longdendale is the safest Labour ward deep in their heartlands. Labour’s vote is coming to us in the Midlands and the North.”
However, Mr Reynolds says the local wins, added to the four MPs it has in the House of Commons only makes the level of scrutiny it should face even higher.
He added: “I congratulate the winning candidate and wish him well in the role.
“But it is important longer term that Reform are held to the same level of accountability as anyone else, as often people are surprised to see their positions on the NHS, Putin and opposition to employment rights.
“Having lived and married in Longdendale, I care very strongly about the views and feelings of local people and assure villagers the whole local Labour team will continue to reflect on this result.”