Stephen Selected For Kingsway

Stephen Thornley Selected to stand in Kingsway ward for local elections

Stephen moved to Rochdale in 2017 whilst completing a postgraduate degree in science. He is currently working as a technology project manager.
Stephen is involved with the Young Liberals movement at both a regional and national level and is presently working as part of the events team to engage young people in the political process.

"It is so important to engage younger voters in the political process." said Stephen. "I'm a big advocate for votes at 16 as engaging younger voters in local government is vital for a thriving future."

Locally, his priorities for Kingsway are:

• Road safety and speeding - "Living near Kingsway Business Park, we local residents are more than aware of the drag racing that goes on along Isaac Newton Way. Drastic action needs to be taken with GMP and local enforcement officers before there is a serious incident."
• Fly tipping and litter - "You don't have to look far to see litter and fly tipping in the area. Lockdown has seriously increased levels of both. A combination of taking responsibility for the environment and good education can tackle littering problems. I fully support the local Lib Dem policy of reintroducing free bulky waste collection in the borough."
• Education and schools - "Children and young people have suffered this past year. Its vital we support schools and youth services in supporting youngsters into a post Covid world. As ward Councillor for Kingsway I would prioritise funding youth services, both in and out of school to support young people achieve their full potential through the transition to adulthood."

Stephen lives with his partner and their three legged cat called Belle in Kingsway. He is a keen rugby player, but stresses Union rather than League- which he realises is contentious in this part of the world!