Former copper Matt Gallagher selected as Lib Dem candidate for Police Commissioner for Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats have selected retired former police Inspector Matt Gallagher to be their candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matt Gallagher said today, “I have 30 years police experience, and a detailed knowledge of the Greater Manchester Police. That is why I am best candidate to work with police officers and cut crime across Greater Manchester.”

He added, “Survey after survey shows that the public would prefer to see a former copper as Police Commissioner than a failed former politician. The people of Greater Manchester now have that choice.”

Matt has a strong public service record. His grandfather was a police officer, his wife and daughter are mobile carers and his son is a Royal Marine Commando.

Mr Gallagher served for thirty years with GMP, six as a front line inspector in the force’s elite Tactical Aid Unit, where he confronted the city’s drugs gangs and organised football hooligan’s, and targeted anti-social behaviour and gun crime.

South Manchester MP John Leech added, “I supported Matt because he was made for this job. 30 years a copper, six years in the Tactical Aid Unit. Better a copper with an understanding of the job that a failed former minister.”

He beat former Councillors Jackie Pearcey and Qassim Afzal polling over half of the first preference votes.

Thank You!

Across our three constituencies of Ashton-Under-Lyne, Denton & Reddish, and Stalybridge & Hyde, we had six Lib Dem candidates in the council elections this year.

None of our candidates were elected on what was a difficult night for the Lib Dems across most of the country, but our thanks to everyone who gave us their support – and to our candidates, agents and campaign teams for their hard work.

Live Music Bill? Cheers!

Today the Government announced that it would be supporting Liberal Democrat peer, Lord (Tim) Clement-Jones’ Live Music Bill, which seeks to remove the bureaucratic burden from small venue owners, such as pubs and community halls, who want to have live music play for their guests

Lord Clement-Jones said: “There is clear support across all parties to reform the current system as the Licensing Act has had a deadening effect on the performance of live music in small venues.

“The Live Music Bill will benefit hundreds of small pubs, restaurants and church and community halls who want live music at their venue by generally removing the need to apply for a complicated licence.”

“I’m glad the Government has responded so positively to this Bill and I look forward to working with them to fulfil the Coalition Agreement’s pledge to put an end to red tape and bureaucracy.”

Thank You!

In Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton & Reddish, and Stalybridge & Hyde, the Lib Dem vote increased last night despite starting in third place. Thank you to the voters across all three seats who have given us their support in a remarkable election, the full results of which are still not yet known. If you supported us, if you want to see a more liberal society, now join us.

Love Democracy – You CAN Make The Difference

love democracy hate apathy

Vote on May 6th

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change,” said the Liberal Democrat Leader this morning. Addressing a rally in Eastbourne this morning, Nick Clegg said: “In 24 hours we can change Britain forever.

“Change is possible and change is coming, if you choose it.

“Your vote can make the difference.

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change.

“You’ve been let down by them a hundred times before, you know how little to expect.

“We cannot let that happen.

“We cannot let politics as usual triumph.

“We can choose something different this time and we will choose something different this time.

“If change is what you want, don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way.

“It may be just a small cross on the ballot paper but it is a big opportunity.

“Yours may be just one vote but it could be the one that makes the difference: so use it.”

Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be different

Another brilliant, independent, YouTube video about the chance we have at this election to shake up the old Labour-Tory see-saw, and revitalise our democracy in the UK. This one highlights a recent YouGov poll showing that if they thought the Lib Dems could win in their area, 49% of voters would support the Lib Dems.