Conservative leader's column: Reflections of 2023 as we head into the festive season

John Taylor is the leader of the local Conservative party in Rochdale and a councillor for Wardle and West Littleborough.

This month he dedicates his column to looking back over 2023.

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Where has this year gone? It’s hard to believe 2024 is almost upon us as we enter the festive season once more.

2023 has certainly been a busy year and it’s hard to believe it’s twelve months since I wrote about the seismic changes to house building policy made by our government with the removal of housing targets and a greater opportunity to save our green spaces.

Protecting our greenspaces and focusing development where infrastructure exists or can be upgraded have always been top of my priority list and that will not change as we we move forward into the new year.  

It is ten months since I sat in front of and addressed the government inspectors who reviewed Andy Burnham’s Places for Everyone plan and my work continues unabated, only last night [at the time of writing] I met with other Conservative leaders from across Greater Manchester to consider ways of protecting greenbelt land from unnecessary development. We will not leave any stone unturned in our efforts to support our communities. 

For many, 2023 will be remembered for the global cost of living crisis and I’m sure most of us will have felt the pinch to some degree. There is some good news on this topic with inflation falling from its peak of over 11% to 4.6% now.

The downward trend needs to continue along with reduced taxation if we are all to feel the benefit in our weekly bills. It has been a difficult year financially for many across our borough but it does feel like the worst is over and brighter times lie ahead of us. I sense the crepuscular rays of light are shining brightly on the horizon. 

In March, I wrote about biological male sex offenders deciding to identify as female in an attempt to further their offending behaviour. My view on these matters remains quite simple – the safety of all females is of paramount importance and access to safe spaces, be it toilets, changing rooms, hostels or any other space must be their right without intrusion of this nature.

Perhaps it’s my thirty years' experience as a police officer that makes me cynical about the deviant intentions of some criminals or maybe it is just a common-sense approach to appropriate and acceptable behavior in public places. 

This morning I read in the national press how Esther McVey has been dubbed the minister for common sense and is waging war on the waste and wokery that is plaguing the public sector. I wish her well in her endeavours and hope we all see an outbreak of common sense in the forthcoming year too. 

The month of May witnessed a magnificent spectacle of pageantry with the Coronation of King Charles III. I am a huge supporter of our Royal Family and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole occasion from the Coronation itself to the local celebrations and “Big Help Out” volunteering activities across the borough.

No other nation can deliver pageantry and ceremony remotely close to how we can as a nation. The whole celebration filled me with a sense of national pride and it was particularly notable how the overriding message from our newly crowned monarch was one of service to others. There is something really quite humbling about our head of state dedicating his life to the service of others and it certainly made me pause, reflect and reaffirm my commitment to service too. 

As I reflect upon the summer months they seemed to be dominated by issues and discussion around public transport and the use of private vehicles. My views on these matters remains very clear. The motorist should not be seen as a hindrance – I along with many others rely upon my car to go about my daily business and simply couldn’t do the things I do without it.

Having said that, I also want to see an efficient and effective public transport system that services all parts of the borough. The summer months witnessed consultation on the closure of rail ticket offices when we saw a brilliant example of community empowerment where the voice of the people was heard loud and clear in order to save them and I for one was delighted with the outcome.  

Unfortunately, the voices of those residents and business owners in Castleton were not listened to when they objected to a cycle lane running through the heart of their village. They said very clearly how it would destroy the village and businesses but they were not listened to.

Unfortunately, their worst fears have come to fruition and several businesses have closed with others on the edge of following in the near future.

Earlier this month I attended a meeting with residents and business owners when Andy Burnham agreed to listen to their concerns. He appeared to listen, said he will look into avenues of support and agreed to come back in March – I hope he is true to his word and that the remaining businesses can survive until support is forthcoming.

It was a pity he used the visit as opportunity for a photo shoot promoting the cycle lane, something that certainly rubbed salt into the wounds of those affected.  

Of course, the latter part of the year has been dominated by events in the Middle East and the tragic loss of life we all hear about on a daily basis. I am acutely aware of the impact this has on some people within our own community in exactly the same way as those with Ukrainian friends and family are affected too.

We cannot change world events but our thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected. 

Last week saw our final full council meeting of the year and it was disappointing to say the least to see some elected members attack a fellow councillor who was unable to attend due to a serious illness.

I believe everyone stands for election with every intention of fulfilling the requirements of the role and every member of council ought to be treated fairly and with respect regardless of their political persuasion.

I was left with a sour taste in my mouth following the meeting and I know many others were too.

Finally, as the year draws to a close and we enter the season of goodwill to all men, let me wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Peaceful and Happy New Year.