Tough decisions

Today we have taken the very difficult decision to resign from Bury Labour Group. Whilst we never anticipated having to make this choice, events over the past year or so have led us to believe that this is the best decision for us, our family, and the people we are elected to represent.

My wife developed complications during her pregnancy and then became unwell after the birth of our child in June last year. I made the decision to support her and sometimes stayed at home rather than attending Labour meetings at the town hall, or campaign events in other areas. Like many others in these difficult times, I am on a zero hours contract at work,and had to take work whenever and wherever it became available. We both offered to help in other ways – by telephoning residents asking them if they had any problems, but our offers were rejected.

There were times when Daisy and I went to meetings at great detriment to her health. Sometimes she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed the next day. We both hoped for more support. The group has a whip system and we always let them know our situation. However, there was very little support forthcoming and the choice I made to support my wife and family has now led to my deselection. I’m disappointed, but I stand by my decision.
We always remained active in the ward and did our best to put forward the views of our residents. This will not change.

We care deeply about the community we live in. Our children are growing up here, going to school here, and we are excited about the future. Happily with Daisy well on the road to recovery, as independent councillors representing and living in Radcliffe, we will continue to advocate for people, but now more than ever we can fight each case on its own merits rather than defending the impossible decisions forced upon Bury by the devastating cuts from central government. It’s no secret that we in Bury, and Radcliffe are hit harder than those in leafy Middle England and under a Tory administration things would be so much worse.

To sit as independents is a huge and heartbreaking decision but we both feel that we will be able to redirect our energies back into Radcliffe and the people we represent in a more personalised and connected way.
Please get in touch with any queries you may have. Our email addresses are m.bailey@bury.gov.uk and d.bailey@bury.gov.uk. Our home phone number is 0161 7235272.

Please keep checking this website for details of surgeries and we will publish casework numbers and an overview of issues facing you and your neighbours.

With best regards,

Matt.