I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.
Ten years ago, I decided to leave Westminster. Why? Because, after 16 years, I came to the conclusion that our national political system does not work for areas like ours. I learnt this fighting its failure to invest in the Wigan borough, for justice for the Hillsborough families and against its treatment of Greater Manchester during the pandemic.
Over the last decade, I have been challenging this failure from the outside and building a new and better way of doing politics. We have built Greater Manchester into the fastest-growing city-region in the UK and put buses back under public control, introducing a £2 fare cap to help people with cost-of-living pressures.
However, there is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester. Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again. This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.
Millions are struggling and they need the Labour Government to succeed. It has already made changes to make life better for them in its first two years. After this week, we owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the Prime Minister and the Government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place.
I want to recognise the difficult decision taken by Josh Simons and the sacrifice he and his family are making. I have worked closely with him as Mayor on issues like flooding and illegal waste dumping and have seen first-hand how effective he has been. He has put the communities of Makerfield first, made a real difference for them and should take great pride in that.
Finally, I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times. We will change Labour for the better and make it a party you can believe in again.
ENDS
I wonder if either party will agree to uprate student maintenance loans in line with inflation. The real term cuts the living loans is a real hit to access to those from non-traditional university backgrounds. #ITVdebate
Once again ministers appointed 7 weeks ago & sacked/resigning today will get a 3 month salary pay off
The previous lot got the same pay out after a few hours service in some cases
But, But.. universal credit & welfare is TOO generous
I congratulate Rishi Sunak & welcome colour not being a showstopper to becoming Prime Minister
Its wonderful that any privately educated billionaire can aspire to such a position
My dream is a child of state education & impoverished working class heritage will one day emulate him
The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
My letter to the Prime Minister below.
Chemistry students (UK)!!
I am also looking into student opinions of feedback and assessment in lab classes and would appreciate if you could fill the survey below!
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Chemistry staff/Lab techs/GTAs/Demonstrators!!
- I am conducting an MChem research project into feedback and assessment of lab classes. I would appreciate if you could take the time to fill the survey below #chemtwitter#chemistry#labs#labtechnician
https://t.co/FtqX6E9vIb