Salford Conservative group leader set to stand down ahead of major change
“This is possibly the last time I shall stand in this chamber”
A Salford councillor is planning to step down as leader of the borough’s Conservative group.
Coun Robin Garrido, who has led the party for the past three years, is hoping to be appointed as the council’s deputy ceremonial mayor, and is planning a return to being a ‘backbench’ councillor.
If the appointment is confirmed in May, the Conservative group will choose a new member to lead the biggest opposition group at the council.
Labour Party councillors hold 50 of Salford’s 60 seats in the council chamber, under the leadership of city mayor Paul Dennett.
Speaking at a council meeting on March 19, Coun Garrido said: “Today is somewhat of a milestone for me having served on the council for 25 years, the last three as leader of the opposition and Conservative group, and I am now delighted in May to be hopefully appointed as the deputy ceremonial mayor, which brings my term of office as leader coming to an end.
“So, madam chair, this is possibly the last time I shall stand in this chamber as [Conservative group] leader, and as such I intend to follow the protocol from May of not taking part in political debates or matters of a political nature.”
He added: “I am looking forward to being a backbencher over the next twelve months, taking part in discussions for the benefit of our residents.”
During his time as leader of the Conservative group, Coun Garrido has been a vocal critic of the plans to buy Salford Community Stadium, and made calls for the council to do more on homelessness, including using offices in Salford Civic Centre as temporary accommodation.
He has campaigned on issues in the Worsley and Westwood Park ward, and raised concerns about the potential impact of housebuilding in parts of the city, especially the impact it could have on roads and public transport.
Salford’s deputy city mayor, Coun Jack Youd, said: “Congratulations on 25 years Robin, and good luck for the next year as well.”
Coun Youd spoke on behalf of city mayor Paul Dennett, who was not at the meeting due to a commitment in China representing Greater Manchester.
Salford council’s ceremonial mayor, Coun Tanya Burch, was installed in the post last May.
The role of ceremonial mayor includes carrying out civic duties on behalf of the council, such as hosting visits from schools, attending events, and chairing full council meetings.
Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.
That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.
And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here.
You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street.
If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.
And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
