Sian Astley has launched her manifesto for the Greater Manchester mayoral election. She promised tougher policing, lower spending and greater investment across the region. The Reform UK candidate said her plan would benefit every borough, not only Manchester city centre.
The manifesto comes ahead of the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on July 30. Sian Astley currently leads Reform UK’s group on Manchester City Council. She won the Baguley council seat in May with a majority of 423 votes. The businesswoman and landlord is one of seven candidates hoping to replace Andy Burnham.
Reform UK said its proposals would spread investment more fairly across Greater Manchester. The party argued that central Manchester has received most of the region’s economic growth. It said surrounding towns deserve the same opportunities for investment and development.
The manifesto also targets public spending. Reform UK pledged to reduce funding for little-used cycle lanes. The party also wants to reverse recent increases to the mayoral precept. It plans to end spending on diversity, equality and inclusion programmes. In addition, it wants a review of Clean Air Zone costs. Another proposal would examine spending on automatic number plate recognition cameras.
Migration is another major focus. Reform UK pledged to publish figures showing how many hotels and shared properties house asylum seekers. The party also wants local councils to oppose further Home Office placements. It said Greater Manchester should no longer rely on hotels for migrant accommodation.
Crime and policing feature heavily throughout the manifesto. Reform UK wants Greater Manchester Police to become the toughest force in Britain. The party pledged to triple the use of stop-and-search powers. It also promised tougher action against knife crime, drug offences and shoplifting. In addition, the party wants more officers on patrol in Manchester city centre during the evenings.
Sian Astley also pledged to target illegal businesses. She said she would “go to war” with criminal networks, vape shops and what she described as “dodgy” barber shops. Reform UK also wants a dedicated police unit to investigate grooming gangs. The party pledged to release investigation files dating back at least 40 years.
Transport also plays a key role in the manifesto. Reform UK wants free Bee Network travel for 16 to 18-year-olds. The party supports extending the Metrolink network to Stockport. It also backs an underground through-station at Manchester Piccadilly.
Housing proposals focus on brownfield development. Reform UK wants a full audit of available brownfield sites. The party said affordable homes should be built where demand is highest. It also wants regeneration funding shared more evenly across Greater Manchester.
Transparency remains another priority. Reform UK pledged to publish contracts worth more than £1 million. The party also wants independent audits of housing investment loans. It plans to introduce stronger conflict-of-interest rules for major public projects.
Speaking during the launch, Sian Astley said many communities have missed out on Greater Manchester’s success. She argued that towns such as Bolton and Wigan still face declining high streets and poor infrastructure. She also pointed to rising antisocial behaviour in many areas.
Astley said every borough deserves equal standards in transport, housing, healthcare and public services. She added that she wants prosperity to reach every postcode across Greater Manchester.
Voters across the region will elect the next mayor on July 30. The winner will succeed Andy Burnham.
For more updates on this news, follow London Pulse News.
