Moving on to new Pastures - Cllr Alex Warren Says his Farewells After 4 years of Success in Salford Quays

Working and representing people on issues that matter to them in Salford Quays over the last four years has been one of the biggest privileges of my life to date. It's a special area, with Media City here, the Lowry theatre, the industrial history of the Manchester ship canal, with its very own unique wildlife and habitat. It’s a joy to represent and campaign for my amazing neighbours.

I remember back in 2020, being fresh out of the Pandemic, having been cooped up inside for a year. I yearned for the outdoors, so I went to eat my lunch in Salford Quays. Whilst enjoying the waterside views and watching the wildlife that flourishes there, I happened to see a young Swan choking on a piece of polystyrene. It was in that moment that I knew I had to start my #CleanUpTheQuays campaign. I am so proud to have overseen one of the most ambitious local community initiatives in Greater Manchester really take off in such a big way. #CleanUpTheQuays is positive and easy to engage with, hundreds of people having taken part over the years on all our different projects.

It wasn’t just cleaning up Salford Quays and reporting your local issues. One of the biggest concerns facing our neighbourhood was public transport, and not being able to get back from Manchester at night. We needed a safe, regular, affordable, and accessible option for people. So, for the last three years we've been running a campaign to get late night trams,. Without the Liberal Democrats pushing Late night trams for the residents of Salford Quays and Media City, we would not have this great policy. This is why it’s important to elect Paul as your local Councillor, who has been working so hard.

And so now, with a heavy heart I am moving away to start the next chapter in my life. I am so glad that I have managed to achieve so much over the last few years here, and I hope that you put your faith in the rest of the Lib Dem team to carry on the great work, and keep cleaning up the quays, in the many ways that we do. It is not right to stay on as a Councillor if you don't live in the area where you represent. Regrettably, many Councillors do that, even here in Salford.

My new job will be working on exciting community initiatives and campaigns in Local Government. To me, public service is my lifeblood. So, it is my duty and sad privilege, to say that I must resign as your local Councillor. My new job is politically restricted, and it is illegal for me to continue as a local Councillor because of the nature of the work that I will be doing. Local government is such an important vehicle for change, and we have overseen a lot of change here in Salford Quays over the last few years, with me as your Councillor. It is my belief, that with Paul Heilbron my successor, you see even more change and success stories in the special place that we call home.

I can’t wait to see what ideas you will come up with as a community when working with Paul. Rest assured, the Liberal Democrats in Salford are here to stay, and they have a fantastic new local campaigner, one of your neighbours, to fight your corner.

If you’re reading this and you know me, I’ll miss you. It’s been a bloody great time and a pleasure representing you. I hope we meet again one day.

Cllr Alex Warren