Political group announces major expansion in Stockport saying people are ‘desperate for something different’
A community group of councillors in Stockport have announced plans to expand in the borough – in a direct challenge to Labour and the Lib Dems for influence in the town hall.
The Stockport Community Group (SCG), led by Edgeley councillor Matt Wynne, said it will target council seats in central Stockport as part of the expansion.
The group has its eyes initially set on areas such as Davenport and Cale Green, Manor, Cheadle, the Heatons, and Reddish, where it hopes to win seats in the May 2026 local elections and grow its influence in the 63-seat council chamber.
The target seats are mostly held by either Labour or Lib Dem councillors, other than two independents and Reddish South where there are three Green Party councillors.
It's a move which could have a huge impact on how decisions are made in Stockport town hall, which is led by 30 Lib Dem councillors under a minority administration.
Stockport Labour is the biggest opposition group in Stockport with 19 councillors.
The SCG grew out of the Edgeley Community Association, founded by Cllr Wynne after an explosive fallout with Labour in 2022 when he was deemed 'unfit' to stand for election for the party.
The Edgeley Community Association won all three Edgeley seats in Stockport council's 2023 all-out local elections, with councillors Leah Taylor and Asa Caton joining Matt Wynne in a trio, and they comfortably defended the one seat up for grabs in 2024, keeping Labour out.
The SCG grew to five members when two ex-Labour councillors joined – David Sedgwick and Holly McCormack – after quitting the party in the fallout of the 'Trigger me timbers' WhatsApp scandal.
They have now put out a call for candidates and volunteers to support their vision to 'franchise' the community-based model, and 'ensure that local voices are at the heart of decision-making' in the borough.
"Getting out and talking to people, you understand that they desperately want something different," said Cllr Asa Caton.
"We want to see local action being given the priority, and national politics not messing around with that.
"If people are that desperate for something different, and people are willing to get behind community action, then what we've done in Edgeley serves as a blueprint for that.
"Hopefully that will resonate with people in other wards, I think there are lots out there that are willing to stand up and be counted and make a difference, they just need support and somebody to get behind."
In a statement posted online, the Stockport Community Group claimed voters ' deserve better than the tired current political choices.'
They added: "The ruling Liberal Democrats have taken us through years of planning chaos through short-sighted decision-making for their own political gain.
"Labour councillors are too often distracted by party politics and internal battles at the town hall.
"Stockport needs a new approach: one rooted in the community, led by residents, and focused only on real local priorities such as safer neighbourhoods, better housing, cleaner streets and support for families and small businesses."
The statement has sparked a row of words after Labour and the Lib Dems hit back against the claims.
Cllr Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport council and Stockport Lib Dems, accused the SCG of being 'Labour lite'.
He said: "There are already 30 local Lib Dem local champions serving as councillors, fighting for and making a difference in their communities, setting a positive vision for Stockport's future.
"There are countless others supporting them and ready to serve residents right across the borough.
"I doubt Stockport residents will be fooled by the 'Labour lite' approach offered by the ECA or SCG or whatever they will be calling themselves by election time in May.
"They consistently align themselves with Keir Starmer's sinking Labour group and simply talk down our town.
"There is always lots more work to be done and the best way for residents to get the change they want is to vote for Liberal Democrat champions who will actually make a difference when elected as councillors."
Cllr Christine Carrigan, leader of Stockport Labour, said: "It was a huge achievement for Cllr Wynne to take his personal vote in Edgeley and turn that into the successful election of a further two councillors during the all-out elections, and I have no problem acknowledging that.
"However, in his statement Cllr Wynne appears to be trying to condemn party politics by proposing yet another political party.
"Stockport does not need another political party. If you are interested in a fairer, more equal, proud, democratic, patriotic group. Stockport has one.
"If you think that a good job, fair pay, and decent place to live should come as standard. You agree with us. If you believe we should all be able to live together freely, in solidarity, tolerance and respect. You support Stockport Labour and we are fighting for you."
Local elections are due to take place in Stockport in May 2026.
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