In partnership with the LGA Lib Dem Group, we organised a policy forum for combined authority areas which was held in Stockport’s Hat Works museum on Sunday 12 February.
Liberal Democrat group and deputy leaders from local authorities in the combined authority areas facing elections in 2017 and 2018 were invited to join members of the mayoral teams in discussions about policy, message and the delivery of policy. The group leaders were asked to bring along anyone they thought would benefit or contribute to the discussions.
The goals of the event were to:
- Shape policy for combined authorities in conjunction with council groups
- Review different policy approaches and their consequences
- Discuss ways to deal with the media challenge
- Share best practice and build relationships
People from the combined authorities in the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Tees Valley joined the forum. We were pleased to hear from West Midlands’ Mayoral Candidate Beverley Nielsen and Greater Manchester Mayoral Candidate Jane Brophy about their vision for the regions they’re fighting to represent.
The event really helped to crystallise the mayoral elections’ policy platforms and created links between each regional campaign and the Liberal Democrat council groups.
The mayoral campaigns are gathering pace. If you would like to get involved in your area please email charles.glover@aldc.org.