Stockport council’s Labour group elects new leader
Stockport council's Labour group has elected a new leader to take on the Lib Dems for control of the town hall.
Cllr Christine Carrigan, who was previously the group's deputy leader, was elected unopposed at Stockport Labour's annual general meeting on Monday.
Her move comes after Labour lost ground at last year's local elections and the Lib Dems came within a whisker of gaining a majority at the council, which has been run under no overall control for years.
Cllr Carrigan was born in Stockport and grew up in Reddish, and represents the Brinnington and Stockport Central ward.
Her father was a Labour councillor, and outside of politics she has worked in roles at William Hill, and as a corporate travel manager with 20 years of experience.
She takes over from Cllr David Meller, who is stepping down from steering the Labour group after two years in the role.
Cllr Carrigan vowed to use her position to try and increase the number of council homes in the borough.
But she worries about whether her two children will be able to stay in Stockport when they are older.
"I'm terrified about what Stockport is at the moment, I have two children and I don't know if they'll be able to live in Stockport when they grow up," she said.
"When you look at average wages in Stockport compared to house prices, it's a disaster incoming."
She said there are homes in the borough where rents have risen to up to £1,400 a month, a situation she labelled as "ridiculous".
She added: "I'm incredibly honoured to have been chosen to lead our group.
"Stockport is facing serious challenges – on housing, social care, and basic services.
"But I believe in the power of our team, and I believe that by working together, we can hold this administration to account and push for the long-term solutions that Stockport deserves."
Stockport Labour group also elected Cllr Joe Barratt as deputy leader.
Cllr Barratt represents the Bredbury and Woodley ward, and is chair of the council's communities and transport committee.
He said: "It's an honour to step into this role at such an important time for our borough.
"I'm fully committed to supporting Cllr Carrigan in her new role as leader of Stockport Labour group, having previously been a very effective deputy leader, and working with my colleagues to deliver real improvements for Stockport."
More change is on the way at the town hall with council leader Mark Hunter set to step down in May.
Cllr Hunter said: "On behalf of my Liberal Democrat colleagues I wish Cllr Carrigan well in her new role.
"We look forward to her leading a constructive opposition in the coming year and to her voice joining with ours when asking the Labour government to be fair with the people of Stockport, including over providing funding for more social housing."
~
Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.
To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.
Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or X.
Share:
