Brilliant conversation with Paul Dennet! I knew little about him before this - what an inspiration! Absolutely committed to doing his best for the people of Salford. He looks no further than his present role as leader of Salford but if Andy Burnham finishes we need a solid politician who is committed to improving the lot of the most vulnerable. Gary and Sacha are driven by very different agendas.
Joshi’s piece on Dennett was an excellent read and gave me new respect for a man who clearly digs into the financial webs with mathematical insight. This engenders confidence that proposals he makes are fact based and do-able instead of ones which sound good but could well be pie in the sky.
He would say he believes in the post war concept of council housing as a universal offer, and that all council housing would be better if it wasn't thought of as a last resort.
Really thought provoking insights thank you. I'd been wondering whether Kate Green might have aspirations to take over this particular 'throne' when Andy Burnham steps down but interesting to hear that Paul Dennett may still be in line as Burnham's successor.
Yeah I briefly wondered that too but haven't heard anything along those lines and she would lack democratic legitimacy compared to elected leaders like Dennett, Craig etc
I see what you're saying - she has had recent elected political legitimacy of course but I guess that democratic credibility is likely to have worn off by the time 2028 comes around (assuming Andy contests and wins 2024, which looks like a foregone conclusion).
Great article. I joined the Mill this week after the R4 piece. I’m a Mancunian (born in Miss Side) but have lived now for half my life (last 35 years) in soft Southern Buckinghamshire. I’ve taken on a new voluntary role as Chair of The Manchester College (where I started my educational career in mid 1970’s) and The Mill is an invaluable way of getting acquainted with local politics. Thank you.
I enjoyed reading that. I remember long before he became mayor, we'd get Labour party leaflets through the door. He'd feature quite prominently and it was all 'The Tories this' and 'The Tories that'. Very combative. But since he became the head guy, I've been quite impressed with him. He always strikes me as committed to serving us rather than just wanting to further his own career - not something you could say about many politicians.
interesting stuff, the need for social housing has never been as high as it is now. Perhaps Wigan may follow suit .... or others!!
As a churchwarden in an area where the cost of housing is creeping up, (Probs galloping) we are exploratively looking to enter the social housing market offering support to vulnerable people as well as a place to live/ Even one or two 'units' can be worthwhile ...
Excellent article. I’ve always admired Paul Dennett whose record on house building is much better than M/CR. Pity that reports nationally often refer to developments in Salford as “ Manchester” eg Media City. Salford doesn’t get the credit it should.
On the issue of Dennett becoming deputy mayor - when Andy Burnham was standing for adoption as Labour Party candidate for GMCA Mayor he addressed several women’s groups and promised a female deputy. So why isn’t the Deputy Kate Green? It had been Bev Hughes. He also promised gender equality on the “ Council”. Has this happened?
Brilliant conversation with Paul Dennet! I knew little about him before this - what an inspiration! Absolutely committed to doing his best for the people of Salford. He looks no further than his present role as leader of Salford but if Andy Burnham finishes we need a solid politician who is committed to improving the lot of the most vulnerable. Gary and Sacha are driven by very different agendas.
I always enjoy The Mill, but this was especially brilliant and really uplifting to read first thing this morning. Well done.
Thanks very much Jennie. Have a lovely weekend.
Joshi’s piece on Dennett was an excellent read and gave me new respect for a man who clearly digs into the financial webs with mathematical insight. This engenders confidence that proposals he makes are fact based and do-able instead of ones which sound good but could well be pie in the sky.
Thanks Margaret. I agree - he does inspire confidence.
Nice story but you should have asked Dennett why he feels he should have a council house when he’s getting £70k a year allowance from Salford? https://www.salford.gov.uk/your-council/councillors/members-allowances/
Thanks Robert. I didn't ask because I had seen him answer it several times before and so I chose to just quote his answer to the Guardian.
That “man of the people” schtick is depriving someone more deserving of a house.
He would say he believes in the post war concept of council housing as a universal offer, and that all council housing would be better if it wasn't thought of as a last resort.
What a well written article. I am really astonished at the standard of in depth journalism being put out by “The Mill”.
This publication is alive and kicking, despite comments that local news is not good.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much David
Really thought provoking insights thank you. I'd been wondering whether Kate Green might have aspirations to take over this particular 'throne' when Andy Burnham steps down but interesting to hear that Paul Dennett may still be in line as Burnham's successor.
Yeah I briefly wondered that too but haven't heard anything along those lines and she would lack democratic legitimacy compared to elected leaders like Dennett, Craig etc
I see what you're saying - she has had recent elected political legitimacy of course but I guess that democratic credibility is likely to have worn off by the time 2028 comes around (assuming Andy contests and wins 2024, which looks like a foregone conclusion).
Great article. I joined the Mill this week after the R4 piece. I’m a Mancunian (born in Miss Side) but have lived now for half my life (last 35 years) in soft Southern Buckinghamshire. I’ve taken on a new voluntary role as Chair of The Manchester College (where I started my educational career in mid 1970’s) and The Mill is an invaluable way of getting acquainted with local politics. Thank you.
Thanks Ann - and welcome
Excellent piece, thanks.
Thanks Peter
I enjoyed reading that. I remember long before he became mayor, we'd get Labour party leaflets through the door. He'd feature quite prominently and it was all 'The Tories this' and 'The Tories that'. Very combative. But since he became the head guy, I've been quite impressed with him. He always strikes me as committed to serving us rather than just wanting to further his own career - not something you could say about many politicians.
A disappointing response re LTNs. Leaders need to be leading on this issue but run scared of the motoring lobby.
interesting stuff, the need for social housing has never been as high as it is now. Perhaps Wigan may follow suit .... or others!!
As a churchwarden in an area where the cost of housing is creeping up, (Probs galloping) we are exploratively looking to enter the social housing market offering support to vulnerable people as well as a place to live/ Even one or two 'units' can be worthwhile ...
Actually, I'm getting a whiff of a more left-wing Jed Bartlet here. :-)
Excellent article. I’ve always admired Paul Dennett whose record on house building is much better than M/CR. Pity that reports nationally often refer to developments in Salford as “ Manchester” eg Media City. Salford doesn’t get the credit it should.
On the issue of Dennett becoming deputy mayor - when Andy Burnham was standing for adoption as Labour Party candidate for GMCA Mayor he addressed several women’s groups and promised a female deputy. So why isn’t the Deputy Kate Green? It had been Bev Hughes. He also promised gender equality on the “ Council”. Has this happened?
Hi Moira - thanks. Kate Green is also a deputy, in charge of police and fire https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/who-we-are/leaders/deputy-mayor-kate-green/