Peter Crossen: Championing the Conservative cause in Stockport

Cllr Peter Crossen represents Bramhall South & Woodford Ward on Stockport Council.

Being elected is one of the greatest honours a person can receive. No matter how hard you campaign, nothing truly prepares you for the responsibility that comes with public office especially when you are the only Conservative on council.

The moment I was declared Councillor for Bramhall South & Woodford, the work began, quite literally. My first casework email arrived at 1:45am, just over an hour after the count. From that moment on, there was no time to pause or settle in. To serve effectively, you must hit the ground running.

For 18 months, Stockport Council had no Conservative representation. In that time, the Liberal Democrat administration was allowed to operate without Conservative scrutiny, and residents paid the price.

Council tax was once again raised by the maximum amount possible, compounding Stockport’s status as the most expensive borough in Greater Manchester, despite pockets of deep deprivation.

The Liberal Democrat administration actively denied plans to make changes to Stockport’s Green Bin collections, only to introduce a Garden Waste Tax charge of £59 annually, the highest in Greater Manchester. When we Conservatives warned residents, Liberal Democrats accused us of scaremongering. But we were right, and residents now face extra costs for services that had previously been included.

The Liberal Democrats also voted to impose car parking charges across dozens of council-owned car parks, including in my own ward — charges that will harm our local high street, discourage active travel by penalising residents visiting Bramhall’s only direct rail link to Manchester, as well as patients at the local health centre who will now potentially have to pay to see their doctor.

At the same time, services have been cut. Blue bin (cardboard) collections have been halved. Grids and gullies remain blocked even after serious New Year flooding. The absence of a Local Plan, due to Lib Dem dithering, has left our green spaces vulnerable to opportunistic developers.

This is why effective opposition matters.

In the six months since my election, I’ve worked relentlessly to be that opposition in the chamber and on the streets.

I’ve secured a review of local transport services, including a long-overdue reassessment of the 307/308 circular route to Stepping Hill Hospital originally cut five years ago and improvements to the 42b&c routes.

Following the launch of the Bee Network in Stockport, I successfully pushed for emergency increases in bus capacity, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester crediting my campaign for driving this change.

I’ve held the administration to account over green bin delays and waste collection calendar chaos.

I’ve worked cross-party to initiate a review of the borough’s street cleaning programme and have secured investment in local infrastructure.

I’ve collaborated with local schools to access funding for projects that directly benefit pupils. And I continue to fight against parking charges at the station car park in Bramhall.

I’ve tackled dangerous speeding hotspots, pushed for safer roads, and crucially been a visible, hands-on representative. Whether it’s removing graffiti or securing local planters from theft, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and led by example.

Through consistency, responsiveness, and a real presence, I’ve gained the trust and confidence of residents. It’s not just about casework; it’s about being a reliable, active force in the community.

But there’s so much to do and one councillor can only do so much. To deliver meaningful change, we need a team. That’s why I’m working at pace to support strong Conservative candidates across Stockport for the 2026 local elections.

Our ambition must go beyond opposition. We need to present a clear, positive alternative for Stockport: one that restores value for money, competence, and common sense in local government.

That means getting the basic bread and butter issues right. Ending the bin collection chaos. Cleaning the gullies to prevent annual flooding. Developing a Local Plan that protects green spaces while delivering sustainable housing and infrastructure. Investing in reliable public transport. Ensuring access to GP and dentist appointments and securing enough school places for local children.

Stockport deserves better — and so does the country.

Across the UK, the need for visible, effective, and grounded opposition is more important than ever. Voters are weary of political posturing. Voters want action on the bread-and-butter issues that shape their daily lives.

By delivering that — locally and nationally — Conservatives can show we are the party not just of aspiration, but of delivery. A party that understands what’s important to people, respects taxpayers, and believes in strong communities backed by competent public services.

The road ahead will not be easy, but it is clear. We must win back trust, seat by seat, by proving that Conservative values work — not just in Westminster, but in town halls like Stockport.

That starts with hard work, humility, and an unshakable commitment to serve the people that really matter, our residents. I’m proud to play my part. Now let’s build a team that can finish the job.