Lib Dem mayor candidate targets public transport
The Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate is Jake Austin
- Published
A local councillor chosen by the Liberal Democrats to be their candidate in Greater Manchester Mayoral election said one of his aims was to improve public transport.
Jake Austin said he wanted to be "the progressive alternative" to the Conservatives and Labour.
Among his priorities would be boosting public transport options, protecting green spaces and cleaning up local rivers.
Mr Austin was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor in the Hazel Grove ward in Stockport in May 23.
Mr Austin, whose day job is a project manager, said he was “incredibly proud and humbled” to be representing Liberal Democrats in the election.
He said: “Greater Manchester deserves a Mayor who will fight its corner.
"Whether that’s fighting against the closure of our essential fire services, or fighting against United Utilities to stop sewage being dumped in our rivers."
Reinstating 'removed' bus services
Mr Austin said he would ensure that bus services, cut back over recent years, would be revived if he was elected.
Under current Mayor, Andy Burnham, buses have come back under public control as the Bee Network is gradually rolled out across Greater Manchester.
The local councillor said: "There is big talk when it comes to delivering this network but were not seeing that being delivered across Greater Manchester at the minute.
"It's not matching in the ambition that he (the Mayor) set out."
The Stockport councillor told 鶹Լ Radio Manchester: "That doesn't just mean creating an integrated network between buses and trams.
"But it also means delivering local services that have been cut over the last five years.
"If you look at places like where I represent in Hazel Grove, the 375 got cut earlier this year.
"And that's a vital service for local residents."
The mayoral elections will take place on 2 May 2024.
Other candidates to publicly announce their intention to stand have been Mr Burnham, Conservative Party candidate Dan Barker, and independent Nick Buckley.
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