‘The right-wing populists, with their politics of fear, hate and racism, were shown the door and progressives were elected’, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig writes for The Mirror
It’s not often you hear a UK Labour politician talk about the excitement of a blue wave – but this week’s US midterm elections showed that hope has gone global.
The right-wing populists, with their politics of fear, hate and racism, were shown the door and those progressives who want to make a difference in tackling the big issues we all face are on their way to Washington.
From the UK to the US, people are ready for real action. From the Cost of Living, the housing crisis, good jobs and opportunities for young people – progressives are highlighting that when we put people’s priorities first, we win and the hate peddlers lose.
As Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed said of his defeated opponent: “Rather than try to unite us to contend with the crisis of gas or groceries, the opposition decided to try to divide us.” They failed in Michigan and they failed in Manchester too.
In Greater Manchester over the summer when the Prime Minister went off to turn around the fortunes of the Labour Party and the country, we had the largest by election in UK history.
At the start of my campaign things were too close to call and some suggested I should maybe sit this one out. I disagreed. I came to Manchester at 18 because this place was a beacon – of tolerance, determination and hope. This place gave me everything and I’m determined to give back to Greater Manchester.
From the first day of my campaign the message was one of hope, that you unite communities and get stuff done. That was the message that sent Reform packing on polling day.
As Mayor I’ve shown that it was more than just words. From my free bus passes for 11–16-year-olds to investing in our high streets, we’ve got to work. We’re building record numbers of social and council homes, creating jobs for young people and helping people get off the streets. Every decision I make as Mayor will make lives for people here easier and more affordable.
It was that simple message from my manifesto, of making life more affordable that struck a tone in the USA earlier this year with the Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. In September we met to talk affordability and build a coalition of progressive left-wing Mayors on both sides of the pond and across the world. Social media tips may have also been exchanged.
Today in the UK and the US there is cause for hope. Some thought the march of the far-right populists was inevitable, but they’ve been stopped in their tracks. Now is on us as progressives to show people we can radically improve their lives. Let’s get to work.
‘The first 100 days as Mayor’
Today marks 100 days since I was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, and it’s been a whirlwind.
We’re saving families £500 a year with free bus travel for 11 – 16 year olds, fixing the roads with a £60 million pothole fund and investing in towns like Middleton to help restore pride in communities that have too often been overlooked.
We’ve made a strong start, but there’s plenty more to do and I’m excited for what comes next.
‘Still running’
The last time I wrote this column, I told you I was running in every borough of Greater Manchester. I’m pleased to report I’m still going! Next week I’ll be taking part in the 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness for the Mayor’s Charity. If you’re free, join us for a 5km lap and support a great cause!