A message from the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett

I am honoured that the people of Salford have put their trust in me as City Mayor of Salford for a third term. Being elected Mayor of this great city is the most rewarding experience of my life, representing every resident in Salford is a privilege, one that I will never take for granted.

I would like to welcome new councillors from across the political spectrum who were fortunate enough to be elected in May, and congratulate those returning to office.

I have always passionately believed in the importance of local government. Local councillors play a vital role in championing their communities and ensuring residents’ voices are heard and put right at the heart of the council’s decision making. This proximity to our communities acts as an anchor on our politics, ensuring it is practical and focused on getting things done. And in our case getting things done The Salford Way.

When I was first elected in 2016, we were in the midst of huge cuts to local authority funding that has not let up, and since 2010 we have had £245 million cut from our budget. Under this austerity, I knew we needed a clear plan for Salford to deliver for the people of our city.

I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved working together, and particularly where we have led the way in building hundreds of high quality sustainable council homes through our very own independent housing company Dérive.

Through our investments in Salford Quays, MediaCity, New Bailey and Greengate, we’re rebuilding a modern industrial base within our city, creating jobs and opportunities for Salfordians. These include our recent acquisition of Eccles precinct, the community rugby stadium, the joint masterplan working with the University of Salford, and our aspirations for Port Salford. All of these represent further opportunities for the future of our great city.

We will continue to work with Unison to make sure care workers have the best possible terms and conditions to provide the best possible care for our residents, communities and loved ones.

Our continued investment in our green spaces and green infrastructure has contributed towards the Centre for Thriving Places recognising Salford as the most sustainable council in England.

Building on our many collective achievements over the past eight years is the platform I’ve stood on in these elections as well as for a greener, healthier, more prosperous Salford.

In the next Mayoral term, we will continue to get things done The Salford Way. Building 600 more council houses, making Salford a Child Friendly City, delivering a Rugby Strategy for Salford, taking back control of social care, continuing to work to deliver an inclusive economy by leveraging our growth and being firmly interventionist, planting 8,000 new trees and continuing all our great work on tackling the climate crisis.

These ambitious proposals are in no way exhaustive, and I am looking forward to working with members and officers from across the council, our VCSE sector, the trade unions and committed partners to fulfil them. Finally, I would like to reiterate my thanks to every single resident who has given me a clear mandate, which I will honour and work tirelessly to deliver for our great city.

City Mayor Paul Dennett