Tuesday 21-02-2017 - 12:12

With other political news from the UK and abroad dominating the headlines, it’s easy to have forgotten that the inaugural Greater Manchester mayoral election will be held on 4 May 2017. 

According to BBC news, this heralds “the biggest change to our local political landscape for 40 years".  The role will have responsibility for a massive budget of over a billion pounds, GMP and Fire service, public transport, planning and can make pledges relating to key social issues in Manchester such as affordable housing and homelessness.  He or she will have influence over the priorities of the recently devolved health and social care budget and represent the people of Manchester on the global stage.

With less than 100 days to go, Manchester Evening News have helpfully put together an ‘Idiot’s Guide’ to give some background about the role and what it will have control over – read more.  

 

 

To find out what this means for you and to mark this historic moment, the Debating Society and The Union will be hosting a Mayoral Debate on Thursday 23 February featuring the four main candidates, where you can make your voice heard.

Invited to speak at the Union are:

Andy Burnham - Labour Candidate

Sean Anstee - Conservative Candidate

Shneur Odze - UKIP Candidate

Jane Brophy - Liberal Democrat Candidate

If you want to attend, please visit the event page to register for your free ticket. 

To ask a question to one of the candidates, you can email it in advance to the Debating Society at MMUSGpoliticalrep@gmail.com. They will notify you before the debate if your question is selected. 

Further information on the election can be found here.