I'm a little late to this, but as I've been in the habit of writing up the hustings for some years now, here goes. While I am aligned with one party, I will always do my best not to be too partisan.
Three candidates attended:
Carl Austin-Behan (Labour)
Daoud Nawaz (Green)
Abdullah Vavdiwala (Lib Dem)
Apologies were received from the Reform candidate, and the Workers Party and Conservative candidates did not attend, with no apologies or explanations given.
As the host, Jeremy Hoad (on behalf of the Levenshulme Community Association), observed very few areas that still hold hustings, so it's to the credit of our community that people are prepared to turn up and listen to what the candidates have to say, and disappointing that some candidates seemingly can't be bothered to make their case to the people they hope to represent. My mantra has always been ' if you don't do the hustings, I don't vote for you.'
The three candidates made introductory statements, outlining their history, links to the area and reasons for standing.
Carl is a local businessman, running a cleaning company just outside the Burnage ward boundary. He is also Labour's recycled candidate (taking a leaf out of the Greens book on this) having previously been Burnage's councillor from 2014-18.
Daoud is a lifelong Burnage resident (Boundary Commission changes notwithstanding). He got involved in politics at an early age and has been rooted in community activism and a commitment to human rights both at home and internationally. He declared himself tired of the "same old" which is why he joined the Green Party.
Abdullah said that he is not a politician, but has been active in his community since 2003 and has now decided that it is time to 'step up.'
The first question from the audience was to ask each candidate what their top priorities are:
Daoud said that his top priority is the issue of speeding on Kingsway, mentioning that despite this busy main route being in the seat of the previous Leader of the City Council, Bev Craig, this still wasn't enough to get action to make it safer, even after two deaths this year. He said that he would take action within his first 100 days to push this, and to work with neighboring areas where this is also an issue. He also wanted to address anti-social behaviour, through immediate action and education, to make local resources like the Fallowfield Loop safe for everyone.
Abdullah also referred to the issue of speeding, and also of fly-tipping which is a major problem in the area.
Carl stated that more enforcement is needed in respect of speeding and dangerous driving, adding that it also related to roads other than Kingsway. He also said that he would like to see more youth provision in the area, giving young people a place to go and things to do, such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. On transport links, he said that he would like to see the 169 bus route reinstated.
The next question asked for the candidates' views on rent controls or a rent freeze.
Carl favoured more social housing and making properties fit for purpose. In terms of supporting a vote on rent controls, he stated that he would need to see the proposals before committing to this.
Daoud would support a rent freeze at a time when there is so much poverty, reliance on food banks and empty properties. He added that while new homes are important, simply building housing over leisure facilities like Burnage Cricket Club is not the solution
Abdullah agreed that while he would support controls, he too would want to see detailed proposals.
The next question asked what changes the candidates would want to make.
Abdullah stated that change was definitely needed and referred sspecifically to the deterioration of Cringle Fields
Daoud stated that change is coming. People have lost patience with the complacency of the Labour council which with a billion-pound budget has overseen decline outside of the city centre. The city's new wealth has not trickled down to areas like Burnage, and he said that Green councillors will hold the council to account.
Carl said that having Andy Burnham as Prime Minister and Bev Craig as Greater Manchester mayor will strengthen Manchester and that he hoped to carry on Bev's work in Burnage. An audience member asked a supplementary question - "You were a councillor for 7 years. What can you do differently now?" In response, he referenced the Burnage community library and the Westcroft Centre, and said that the streets were being made cleaner through regular litter picking and other work with the community.
Daoud said that while Carl talked about what could be done, the reality is that nothing has been done, and queried whether voters could trust Labour given their record to date. He said that Burnage is a proud community, with 50% of residents under the age of 34. The right wing is on the rise and working class votes are not being looked after.
Abdullah asked how much longer Labour need to improve the area, adding that things were better when there were LibDem councillors. He undertook to support all communities.
The next question related to how much voters can trust the candidates to stand up for Burnage rather than for outside interests?
Daoud stated that there are not many big businesses courting the Greens, and said that he will be stepping up to be the best representative for Burnage and its residents
Carl stated that he lives in (near) the ward and is involved with local groups such as Friends of Cringle Park.
Abdullah stated that he has always looked after the community through his charity work, and while he would not neglect big businesses, local people would come first.
The next question was about Gaza, and what action the candidates would take to ensure that we are not complicit in the current genocide.
Carl noted that Labour had supported a ceasefire*. He also stated that he did not want to get involved in this, and wanted to concentrate on Burnage.
Abdullah will draw attention to the atrocities and pledged that he will always raise his voice for Gaza, Yemen, Sudan and other countries under attack.
Daoud said that the situation in Gaza is a genocide and that the Greens openly call for no arms sales. He disagreed that this is simply a national government matter, and that it is possible to do things at a local level, such as wearing a pin or seeking for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) to divest from those funding genocide. We should not be afraid to speak up when genocide is in front of our eyes and the Greens will do so.
Jeremy noted at this point that there is a weekly vigil for Gaza on the village green in Levenshulme.
Following on from this, the next question stated that in these divided times, how would the candidates ensure community cohesion?
Abdullah said that this could be achieved through more community activities, such as festivals
Daoud said that the divide can often now be between the affluent areas and the poorer ones where rogue landlords provide sub-standard housing. He favours common spaces, with more residents groups. He referred to great community work being undertaken by the Dahlia Cafe, part of the Southway housing trust and said that he favours the the Burnage Parade being made yearly. While there is a sense of community in Burnage, he warned that having knocked on 4,000 doors over the campaign, he had heard terms such as "invaders" being used, and said that conversations need to be had as to why this is.
Carl said that greater use could be made of churches and mosques. He also referenced Burnage Good Neighbours and said that it was important to make everyone feel welcome in this multicultural area.
It was noted that this year's Manchester Village Pride included several unethical sponsors. Carl advised that he believed that this referred to organisations' staff networks, and that those networks were entitled to take part.
Daoud challenged Carl about this and pointed out that Leve Pride is run without recourse to unethical sponsors, He also pointed out that staff networks are not the same as financial sponsors.
Abdullah agreed that more scrutiny is needed regarding who offers financial support.
The next question asked how the candidates would do politics differently.
Abdullah said that he was already demonstrating this through his community work.
Daoud said that the concept of 'Manchesterism' as a new way of doing politics seems to refer simply to shiny skyscrapers. He proposes more engagement with local areas, and if elected intends to knock 100 doors a week outside of election campaigns, as well as monthly surgeries. He referred to the late Sir Gerald Kaufmann and how responsive he had always been to all his constituents. He does want to do politics differently - making a difference in his own community. He stressed that he does not see the role of councillor as a stepping stone to higher political office.
Carl referenced the "Number 10 in the North" initiative as a new way of doing things and said that he will always be visible as a councillor.
The ongoing issue of Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhoods was also discussed. Now 7 years in, many in the area wonder if it will ever be finished.
Abdullah said that it was important to get it finished soon.
Carl said that while there had been some opposition, there had also been support.
Daoud said that the schemes had not been well thought out or delivered. The concept is fine, but the execution has been poor. There are solutions that work for all and do not cost the millions that have already been spent.
The next question was that with European funding gone, how could this be replaced?
Carl stated that it is an issue of pooling resources and spending better.
Abdullah [my note-taking temporarily failed me on this one - my apologies to Abdullah].
Daoud stated that there is enough money, and that the Greens will hold Labour to account to make sure it gets to the right people, in particular to bring it to Burnage.
The next question related to ginnels and alleyways, which have fallen into disrepair, and how voices in Burnage can be championed on this issue.
Daoud favoured working with residents groups to ensure that the right materials are used and that where something is unsafe, fix it quickly.
Carl agreed with this. He stated that alleyways could be better used and need to be fit for purpose.
Abdullah also referred to road safety issues, stating that there should be immediate action or an explanation. One audience member agreed, stating that it is often the flags themselves that are the issue.
The next question asked about improved facilities to encourage older people to come to Cringle Park.
Carl said that there are a lot of facilities and space to bring people together. He proposed setting up a new group or hub there.
Daoud said that is important to ask people what they need. He felt that people might take more pride in a mini garden or allotments than the 'Stonehenge' (a sundial) which has been installed there. He noted how few benches there are in the park, which impacts on older people. In one of the few green spaces in Burnage, it is important to bring older and younger people together.
Abdullah agreed that there was too little provision for older people, and in particular the lack of benches.
The next question was on climate change.
Abdullah said that less green space adds to climate change. He also favours bringing empty houses back into use instead of building on green spaces.
Daoud said that this is an issue for the whole country, but that we need to hold the council to account for its decisions, and he again stated that we should encourage the GMPF to divest from fossil fuel companies. We need to create more green spaces, making alleys into gardens and make everything more sustainable.
Carl favours increased use of electric buses and tree planting, mentioning the Manchester Community Forest.
The next question stated that politicians are often in the pockets of big developers and asked the candidates whether they would put developers or Burnage first.
Carl stated he would put Burnage first.
Daoud challenged this, as the cricket club was recently sold to a developer with little experience, and with seemingly little consultation with residents who have already expressed concern about traffic.
Abdullah declared himself to be anti-developer, adding that he would not fit in their pocket!
Candidates were then asked how they would influence the council.
Daoud pointed out that the Greens are already influencing events, locally and nationally. We have a new Prime Minister and a new GM Mayor - both of which are partly the result of Green power, starting with the Gorton and Denton victory. More Green councillors on Manchester City will have direct influence on the Labour council.
Abdullah said that Labour has done nothing much. He wants Burnage to be a place to live for.
Carl said that Labour will be strong for Burnage.
Jeremy then asked all three candidates to sum up.
Abdullah said that he will stick to his word. He is a good learner and is willing to take suggestions from all. As a keen cricketer, he knows which balls to play and which to leave.
Daoud said that despite the alleged "Burnham Bounce", it is time for real change. He has already spoken to many Burnage residents and will continue to do so. We should not go down the route of division, and should advocate for ethical change. Greens are the only ones who can hold Labour to account and take the fight to them. He asked people to vote for him for a Better Burnage.
Carl said that he has lived in the area for 16 years and goes by the slogan, "Say What You Do and Do What You Say."
Jeremy then closed the meeting, thanking everyone for attending.
My personal take: Both Abdullah and Daoud seem genuinely interested in Burnage and its people, with ideas about how they can help the area. For a seasoned politician, Carl seemed strangely disengaged from proceedings and lacking enthusiasm. In relation to the other candidates, which did not attend, again, I'd note that it is pretty poor not to accept an invitation to meet those who may wish to vote for you, especially when you don't even have the courtesy to respond to the invitation.
One final note - this event was held at St Peter's Church in Levenshulme, and while there are some Leve residents whose homes lie in the Burnage ward (or "South Levenshulme" as only the Labour candidate seems to call it) it would be good if future Burnage hustings could be held somewhere in the ward.
*[my typed notes say "Labour came out against the ceasefire" - I'm hoping that's a a transcription error!]
