By Navendu Mishra MP
The local election results were disappointing, and they have prompted a conversation within the Labour movement about the future direction of the party. I remain steadfast in my belief that Labour represents working people, and I will continue to do everything I can to stand up for families and workers across Stockport. This is my focus, and I look forward to contributing to the King’s Speech debate this week on issues affecting Stockport. Too many people feel our area is being left behind, and it is essential to ensure central government investment is shared fairly across our borough.
While I am delighted that Brinnington will receive £20 million under the Pride in Place scheme, it is vital that communities such as Reddish and parts of central Stockport are not overlooked in future decisions.
Reddish Library in Need of Urgent Investment
Reddish, in particular, highlights why a fairer approach is needed. The local library is in clear need of investment, with ongoing issues including a leaking roof, unreliable heating, and scaffolding that has been in place for over a year. That scaffolding alone is costing local taxpayers money month after month, and I continue to urge Stockport’s Liberal Democrat-run Council to fix the fundamental issues with the building rather than continue funding costly one-off reactive repairs.
This is why I was disappointed with the Council’s approach to the Government’s Libraries Improvement Fund. The bid submitted covered several libraries, but in my view did not reflect the seriousness of the situation in Reddish. It raises real questions about whether this was a deliberate political choice where more affluent areas were prioritised over others. Furthermore, I was not made aware of the bid at the time, and had I been, I would have gladly made the case to Ministers myself. At the same time, while the Council leadership has been quick to criticise central Government over that unsuccessful bid, they have said far less about the significant funding secured elsewhere, including £1 million this year for Bramhall Hall in neighbouring Cheadle constituency, on top of £1.6 million awarded last year.
A Call for Transparency and Fairness
To be clear, I welcome investment in every part of Stockport, not just my constituency. But the Liberal Democrats should be honest and upfront about the bigger picture and ensure that no part of our borough is consistently overlooked while others benefit.
This concern comes up time and again when I speak to residents. There is a clear sense that some areas are prioritised. And it is not just Reddish that is affected. Across Stockport, we have seen similar issues, from the continued closure of Central Library since September 2025, to delays in repairing the broken bridge in Reddish Vale, and roads in many neighbourhoods that are in a poor state. People deserve better and to feel that wherever they live in our borough, their community matters and will be treated fairly.
As this Labour Government rebuilds stronger public services, I will keep pushing for equal treatment of all communities by central Government and Stockport Council. As always, if you would like to raise anything with me, you can contact me by phone, email or letter, and my town centre office is open weekdays from 10am to 3.30pm. You can find my details on my website.
