Ancoats and Beswick by-election: here all the candidates standing for the Manchester City Council ward

Voters in Ancoats and Beswick will take to the polls next week to chose a new councillor in a by-election called after the person previously in the role quit.

Marcia Hutchinson, who was elected to Manchester city council in May 2021, resigned from the role six months later, blaming what she described as a ‘toxic culture’ in Labour.

She claimed she was ‘treated differently’ as one of the only black councillors and bullied by the ruling group – allegations which the local party has denied.

A by-election will take place on 3 February to fill the vacant seat in the ward which Labour won last May with a majority of 1,273 votes – 58 % of the total.

There are four candidates standing at the Ancoats and Beswick by-election.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked all of the candidates for a brief statement setting out their priorities and pledges if they were to be elected.

Alexander Bramham, Conservative Party

“In Manchester we do things differently – the Conservatives are the rebel outsiders resisting lockdown and moving forwards.

“I pledge to fight further council tax hikes, promote consultations, protect green spaces and support local businesses.

“Ancoats and Beswick deserve a proud, confident opposition voice to absolute Labour control (94 of 96 seats).

“More parties means more ideas, scrutiny and cooperation – your council needs blue.

“Please check out my campaign website for more information.”

Alan Good, Liberal Democrats

“I’ve listened to hundreds of residents – they feel Labour ignores them.

“I’ll champion Ancoats and Beswick in council, because I’m not beholden to Labour Town Hall bosses.

“Litter and fly-tipping need addressing at source with cheap and convenient large waste collection.

“I’ll defend our green spaces and consult residents on improvements. I’ll back residents calling for parking rules enforcement.

“No longer should developers get council land cheap, or let off the hook on affordable housing.”

Chris Perriam, Green Party

“My priority is to ensure that long-term plans for the area truly benefit local people and the environment.

“I pledge to work hard to get things fixed, work with the community to save and expand its green spaces and speak out freely for the area.”

Gareth Worthington, Labour

“I’ve lived in the area for nearly a decade and I love it.

“I’ve always played an active part in the community from Ancoats Neighbourhood Watch to the Blossom Street closure.

“If elected, my priorities would be: tackling anti-social behaviour including drug dealing, car robberies and joyriding; tackling fly-tipping and littering and ensuring offenders are caught; addressing parking issues and working on traffic calming issues and developing more green spaces and parks.”

How do I vote?

Polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Thursday, February 3 with the results expected to be announced later that night after votes are counted.

Residents in the ward must be registered in order to vote in this election. See the city council’s website here to learn how.