Cllr Heilbron's Maiden Speech to the Chamber

Thank you madam mayor

Firstly,
I’d like to express my gratitude to officers and all those involved in ensuring the democratic process
was carried out so seamlessly.

I’d like to offer my thoughts to the candidates that lost on the evening,
All sides fort a great campaign
Although I now know the virtue of victory, I also know the distress of defeat.

To my residents then,
I am both elated
and humbled
to have your support after such a conclusive victory.
I have been given a clear mandate to ENACT the policies we pledged in our campaign
and I look forward to working with council officers
in progressing these policies in the coming months

We may be small in numbers
or should I say number
but we aim to make fundamental changes on the issues most valued to our residents.

I am pleased to see the continued faith in our local party
And our local party will continue to be a voice for everyone in our area and work to the best of our
ability to get a great deal for the people of the Quays.

Diversity of debate is a key pillar of democracy
and a sacred component of our institutions.
Our disparities and differences
reflect our great communities
Woven into the fabric of who we are is fluidity of opinion,
diversity of views and differences in values.

Democracy only works when those in power can be held to account.
A strong opposition harvests c o n s t r u c t i v e debate
A strong opposition ensures decency, trust and ethics in the system.
A strong opposition can promote discussion, diversity and inclusivity.
I intend to be just that.

However
Unless they are is some form of political earthquake Labour will run this chamber for some time to
come
it would be inherently counterproductive for me to NOT work together with you and other parties
So I hold out an olive branch

Left
and right

and most notably across the isle to my ward colleagues
when we can coalse around an issue
that we find consensus on
that we strive to work together for the best of our residents
because ultimately
it is they
that we are here to represent,
we are only place holders in time.

Finally then,
There is alot of work to be done,
And I promise to work hard for everyone who lives in
Salford Quays, Trafford Road, Ordsall Lane and Media City during the period I am lucky enough to
hold my seat in this chamber.

Thank you madam Mayor