Liberal Democrats say they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about their prospects of success as they head into the final stretch of the local election campaign. With Polling Day on May 4th firmly in sight, Stockport Lib Dems say their campaign to retain control at the Town Hall is going well and their activists are getting a good reception on doorsteps across the borough. According to local Lib Dem leader Mark Hunter, their positive message and ambitious plans for the future are being well received by local residents.
“I think, from the evidence of talking to many voters, that there is a general recognition that Stockport really is buzzing once again and a place where people really want to be. With a well-run, forward thinking Lib Dem-led Council, focussed on partnership and progress, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Of course, there are many challenges – not least the cost-of-living crisis – but the Lib Dems are united and determined to face those tough decisions and take Stockport forward. The transformation of our town centre is just the single, most obvious, example of how we are making our borough an even better place to live and work”.
Local election experts agree that the Conservatives are likely to struggle again this year and, with only a handful of councillors left on Stockport Council whilst not fielding a full slate of candidates for the first time in years, they could even be wiped out on May 4th. Meanwhile, Stockport Labour is split from top to bottom as the hard left increases its hold and more moderate members and supporters are driven away. No less than four former Labour cabinet members, including the current leader and deputy, are quitting in May, leaving a considerable leadership void.
