As the race hots up to decide who will be the first Mayor of Greater Manchester in an election that no-one asked for and no-one wanted, a new candidate looks set to give Labour Party favourite Andy Burnham a run for his money.
The Salford Star understands that the Scottish National Party, or SNP, looks set to enter the fray, drawing upon its expertise in devolution from Westminster, its record on opposing the Tory Government and its passion for staying within the EU - Stockport, Trafford and Manchester all voted to Remain.
The Star believes that supporters of the SNP in Salford and Manchester have been planning the move for months...
SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, in a filmed address to citizens posted on the SNP website, explains... "We didn't choose to be in this position. But we are. And so it is important to have a clear plan...an ability to be in control of events, not just at the mercy of them..."
She talks of a "choice – between a Tory run Brexit Britain, or taking control of our own future..." And, in a later message adds "We will use the limited new powers devolved...to their fullest - and make the case for even greater powers over tax, welfare and the economy...
"We will also push for democratic reform" she adds "We believe that the House of Lords is an affront to democracy and should be abolished, and we will continue to call for the first past the post voting system to be replaced with proportional representation, so that every vote and every part of the country counts.
"We will continue to put forward the positive case..." she concludes "having the power to enact the change that we need, be it powers over social security, employment or equality."
The SNP Manifesto includes a Plan For Workers, which promises...
* to legislate for gender balance on public boards
* a new Jobs Grant for 16-24 year olds returning to work after six months unemployment. And an offer of three months' free bus travel to those receiving the grant.
* all adult social care workers will be paid the real Living Wage
* new powers to abolish fees for Employment Tribunals that were introduced by the Tory Government.
* to work with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
* a system of penalties for local authorities that have not settled outstanding pay claims or are still not paying equal pay.
* free early learning and childcare will be doubled by 2020, and to pilot approaches to helping families with the upfront costs of childcare.
* to guarantee a learning or training place to all 16 to 19 year olds not already in education, training or employment.
*A new fund to be developed to provide specific support for young people who have been in care to support them into work, training or learning.
The Salford Star spoke to potential voters on Salford Precinct yesterday to gauge opinion...
"They can't be worse than this lot, I'll be voting for them" said Maureen from Langworthy.
"Is this a wind up?" asked Simon from Charlestown "I don't care – I saw the Tracey Ullman show on telly – Nicola was great in that. She's got my vote!"
"If it means Greater Manchester having independence I'll vote for them" said Mike from Lower Kersal...
"The SNP are hard core" said Anita from Pendleton "No messing with them. They'll stand up to Theresa May!"
The Salford Star contacted the SNP for a comment but as yet the SNP hasn't responded.
The full list of Greater Manchester Mayor candidates is due to be published on April 5th.
The Salford Star, being independent, does not endorse any candidate standing in the Greater Manchester Mayor Election
Update: Noon – this was, of course, an April Fool’s prank – wasn’t it?
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