We shockingly gave away a 10,000 seat majority up in Manchester Withington to the Lib Dems in 2005. John Leech was duly elected and the Lib Dems claimed this as another victory in their campaign to take control of the big Northern cities. Yet what has transpired is the usual Lib Dem problem, they fight a localised campaign with smears then when it comes to actually handling the responsibility they are found wanting.
 
Manchester is in the middle of a referendum campaign for a congestion charging scheme. A 'YES' vote gives us £1.5 bn of investment in trams, trains and bus routes. A 'NO' vote leaves us still stuck in traffic.
 
It seems John Leech needs an A-Z when it comes to taking the tough decision about protecting the environment, investment in public transport and keeping the city moving BUT potentially making enemies he's hiding. He's totally gone missing, including missing Parliamentary debates and a key public meeting.
 
Read this http://chrispaul-labouroflove.blogspot.com/2008/11/honest-john-mp-misses-transport-and-gpo.html and this http://newerlabour.blogspot.com/2008/11/congestion-charging-and-manchester.html
 
and help us win back Manchester Withington. Winning these kinds of seats is what keeps DAVID CAMERON out of Number Ten. leave your comment here http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2008/nov/14/manchester-congestion-charge  and join our candidate, Lucy Powell's Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/home.php?ref=home

If you live in London or travel there then it is important that you express your views on the future of the congestion charge.

Why oh why are the labour councils in Manchester hell bent on introducing the congestion charge? Can't they tell when something has the potential to be the poll tax of the next decade?