Industry and Regional Leaders look ahead to Crucial Local Elections

Property and development leaders from across Greater Manchester have come together to quiz an expert panel of political candidates, commentators, and a renowned pollster, on how the forthcoming local elections may impact the industry.

The panel discussion, hosted by Lexington, a nationwide public affairs and strategic consultancy, offered valuable insights into the strategies being employed by each of the major political parties ahead of the elections, as well as a rundown of the key issues that are expected to dominate the campaign and beyond.

The panel included the Head of Polling at Opinium, Chris Curtis, alongside former Special Adviser at the Conservative Party, Emma Barr. Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Burnley, Oliver Ryan, also featured.

Those in attendance raised various questions, ranging from industry-specific subjects, such as the role of development in influencing voters, to ‘big picture’ national issues, including, the future of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

During a lively and insightful discussion, the panellists reached a consensus that the local elections would play a crucial role in shaping the government’s future policy direction on planning and development.

Emma Barr noted that the major parties would use this election to pay close attention to how the electorate reacts to and prioritises planning policy. Meanwhile, Chris Curtis stressed that planning would be a key issue in determining the outcome of local contests. However, he claimed that the Conservative’s planning policy had already been decided and likened the party’s attitude to housebuilding as a “barnacle that needs clearing off the boat.”

The local elections are being billed as the last significant opportunity to test public opinion ahead of the next General Election, making it a stern test for parties who’ll be looking to build momentum ahead of any future national campaign. A sentiment echoed by Oliver Ryan in his opening remarks, noting that the local elections will determine the political landscape on which the next General Election will be fought.

However, panellists played down the direct significance of the impact of the election on the larger national picture, with parties set to use the contest as a ‘trial run’ to test messaging and learn more about the priorities of the electorate. Chris Curtis noted that Labour would use the elections as a platform to launch their vision for a future Labour government, whilst Emma Barton hoped that the Conservatives would use the campaign as an opportunity to reconnect with voters and listen to their concerns.

Paul Boyfield, Head of Built Environment and Managing Director of Lexington North, said:

“We were thrilled to host a panel of political experts and welcome industry leaders from across the north to discuss the upcoming local elections.

“It’s no secret that recent government policy has heightened a sense of uncertainty among developers. This, combined with an ever-shifting political landscape, has made it more important than ever to stay attuned to political developments.

“With local elections once more upon us, and the prospect of a General Election in the not-too-far distant future, the political map is set to change again with massive ramifications for national planning policy and local decision-making.

“We were grateful to our panellists, as well as those who attended, for making our pre-election event an insightful and successful discussion.” 

Emma Barr, former Special Advisor at the Conservative Party, said:

“I was really pleased to meet with business leaders from across Greater Manchester and hear of their unique insights, concerns, and apprehensions ahead of the local elections.

“Whilst it’s often easy for the importance of the results of these elections to focus on purely reflecting the wider national context, the real impact is felt at the local level, where the issues and concerns of the community take centre stage. There are few better examples of this than planning and development, where often the outcome of local elections can determine future home ownership prospects or employment levels.

“Greater awareness of these elections, such as that raised through events like this, serve to be beneficial to businesses and the community alike.” 

For more information on how the local elections could impact your business and operations, please contact Paul by using the details below.