Ben Keane-Lyons
Liberal Democrat Party
North Middleton Ward
Currently a policy manager in the medical sector, Ben Keane-Lyons is a former Westminster Parliamentary assistant who brings a wealth of local government and political experience to North Middleton. Ben grew up in Higher Blackley and attended Our Lady's RC High School before attending Xavierian College and University of Salford gaining a BA hons in International Relations and an MSC in Human Resource Management.
"I've also lived on Langley and in North Middleton," said Ben, "and I think Labour simply take the electorate for granted round here. It's time for a change in North Middleton. The Town Hall in Rochdale simply doesn't represent Middletonians. It's like we don't exist. I'm dedicated to being the kind of Councillor I want to see. One who is readily available to the electorate and deals with the things that matter day to day, and to advocate for people who don't get their voices heard."
Ben is also a committed volunteer as a youth mentor and diversity role model with a diversity LGBT charity.
His first three campaign pledges are:
- To work with the GMP and the Council enforcement team to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour connected to the area around Lodge Street. He would also oppose any planning applications for any further night economy venues around this area until it's a safe thriving business area for people to visit.
- To reduce fly tipping in the ward by increasing enforcement specifically around Green spaces Boarshaw Clough, Farm Way Park and the River Irk / Boarshaw allotments. The Lib Dems will also reintroduce free bulky waste collections and clamp down on rogue waste licence holders across the borough.
- To ensure that council tax is better spent on things the people of Middleton care about, not wasted on projects that don’t benefit local people.
Ben concluded: "I'm committed to listening to the community in North Middleton and understanding their concerns and worries related to the pandemic and those concerns that were there before lockdown. I am committed to being a spokesperson for all people in Middleton and making sure we’re not the forgotten brother of Rochdale."
You can email Ben - ben.keanelyons.middletonlibdems@gmail.com
You can find out more about local Lib Dem campaigns by clicking here.
