Pearcey: “Gorton and Denton deserve better than political chaos”

The Liberal Democrats announced long-standing local campaigner Jackie Pearcey as their candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February earlier this month.

Ms Pearcey, who has lived in the constituency since the mid-1980s, says she is standing to give residents a stronger voice on issues including fixing the NHS, tackling the cost of living and supporting local high streets and businesses.

A former Manchester City councillor of 21 years, she says voters “deserve so much better than this endless soap opera” in national politics.

HMOs and community stability

Residents have raised concerns about the growth of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in parts of the constituency.

Ms Pearcey said HMOs can contribute to instability where there is a high turnover of tenants.

“The main thing about HMOs is that people aren’t in them for very long,” she said. “They do cause a lot of churn in the community. It’s better to have people who are there for the long term.”

However, she stressed that context matters.

“It depends on why it’s an HMO,” she added, noting that student accommodation differs from HMOs housing people with additional needs. “Without the right support, that can be an issue.”

She indicated that better oversight and appropriate support services are key to ensuring HMOs work for both residents and the wider neighbourhood.

Antisocial behaviour and youth services

Antisocial behaviour, particularly around Crown Point North in Denton and after school hours, was another concern raised by readers.

Ms Pearcey pointed to cuts to youth provision over recent years.

“Youth services have been the Cinderella service for a long time,” she said. “We need a wide range of activities that engage young people.”

She called for greater investment in sports and other structured activities, arguing that teamwork can reduce conflict and help young people build positive relationships.

“If they’re in a football team or rugby team together, they’re a lot less likely to be fighting,” she said.

She also criticised the loss of playing fields to development and said councils must protect recreational space while ensuring alternatives for those not interested in sport.

“Give them things to do - and preferably things that don’t require them to use their phones,” she added.

Living locally

Ms Pearcey confirmed she has lived in the constituency for decades and has no plans to move.

“I’ve paid off my mortgage. I have no intention of moving,” she said.

A focus on representation

Asked why voters should back her, Ms Pearcey said the by-election is about choosing the right kind of MP.

“We don’t need somebody who just uses Denton and Gorton as a platform for grandstanding in Westminster,” she said. “We need somebody who will go to Westminster and take the proper concerns of the people of the area and express them in Parliament.”

She added that her record on the council demonstrates a long-term commitment to working with and for local communities.

Voters in Gorton and Denton will head to the polls on 26 February to decide their next MP.