Cllr Iain Lindley's Diary

Time for updating this website during Conference is a bit more limited than I had hoped, so here’s a few quick highlights of what I got up to on day 2:

• At lunchtime I chaired the Tower Hamlets Conservatives fringe event. They are an inspiring bunch who work for and win in some of the most deprived parts of London. The discussion focused on housing and I was horrified to learn about the failure of London Councils to make adequate progress following the Lakanal House fire in Southwark – something we’ve been keeping a very close eye on here in Greater Manchester
• The GMITA and Network Rail fringe at Manchester Town Hall was a fantastic event and was completely full. We heard from Cllr Ian MacDonald about some of the problems that we face in Greater Manchester and Stephen Hammond MP, the shadow transport minister, gave a reassurance about the Conservative commitment to high-speed rail to and from Greater Manchester. I was able to make a contribution highlighting the improvements required for commuters at Irlam, Eccles, Patricroft and Walkden stations, and I was delighted that Peter Aust, the Chairman of the Friends of Walkden Station, was able to attend the meeting. He has penned his own report which you can read here.
• I was delighted following the GMITA meeting to accept an invitation to join the Scout Association’s “Scouts Speak Up” event, which was extremely interesting and enjoyable. I had a very good discussion with scouts and scout leaders about the portrayal of young people in the media and society generally, as well as their concerns about the “rain tax”.