'Congestion charge kid' plans comeback

Neal Keeling

September 18, 2009

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Roger Jones

A FORMER transport chief's political comeback plan could pose a threat to the leader of Salford council.

Roger Jones was the highest-profile casualty of last year's local elections, when he lost his seat in Irlam.

At the time, he was the Labour chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, and a figurehead for the abortive bid to bring in congestion charging in return for a huge transport spending package.

He was ousted from his seat by the Community Action Party, finishing a poor third behind the Tories.

Now he has been selected by Labour to fight for Irlam again next May. A seat in the ward is being vacated by the current Salford mayor, Roger Lightup, who is set to retire from local government.

Mr Jones has continued to campaign on transport issues since losing his seat and retains high-level contacts.

If elected, he would be considered by a significant number in the council's ruling Labour group as a possible successor to current leader John Merry.

Coun Merry has come under political pressure under the past few months.

Under his stewardship, the vast MediaCity development had started at Salford Quays, and GCSE results have increased dramatically.

Regeneration

But regeneration has ground to a halt in parts of the inner city and the council has been criticised in reports by government inspectors in the last 18 months.

Crucially, when Coun Merry became leader in 2003, Labour had 51 councillors - now it has 36. Mr Jones said: "I suffered a lot from being 'the congestion-charge kid'. But that policy is unlikely to be raised again by Labour.

"I was not bitter. If you go into politics, you have to be prepared to lose with grace.

"But I am 58, still fairly young for local politics, and have my health. I would like to get back and do a good job for the people of Irlam."

Mr Jones is currently director of the North West Rail Investment Campaign. Known for his straight-talking, he challenged ex-council leader Bill Hinds in the 1990s, but was narrowly defeated.

One Labour source said: "Mr Jones would have some support, without doubt, if he was to consider a challenge against Coun Merry.

"If he is limbering up on the touchline it would create a frisson of interest."

Another source said: "Morale in the Labour group is poor. If Labour lose any more seats in Salford at the next election serious questions will be asked about the leadership."

Coun Merry became leader in May 2003 by ousting then leader Bill Hinds by 27 votes to 23. In January this year, he survived an attack on his leadership by defeating a motion of no confidence by 33 votes to 19.

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The Higher Openshaw Exile, MANCHESTER (18/09/2009 at 09:00)

It's quite obvious that Roger didn't get the message........... NOBODY WANTS YOU..!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris R, Irlam (18/09/2009 at 09:15)

Go for it Jones - I would LOVE to see you voted down by Irlam twice.

To let him in again would be a BIG mistake! He will try and raise the Toll Tax again, mark my words....

The Higher Openshaw Exile, MANCHESTER (18/09/2009 at 09:17)

Nice to see censorship is still alive at the MEN................

Jay B, oldham (18/09/2009 at 09:28)

The Higher Openshaw Exile at least you got something published!
the MEN protection racket censored all my comment!!

Dave Sherwood, Irlam (18/09/2009 at 09:33)

The Last person we want to run Salford is Jones,we have already had a taste of his power craving over the transport bid.If only he would listen to the people instead of forcing his own idea's on you things might be different.When he was my local councillor I asked him three times for help and each time he said it was out of his control,funny the opposition councillor solved the problem each time.

irvtheswerv (18/09/2009 at 09:36)

So the labour party wants to foist onto the public, a man so out of touch with reality and what normal people want, he thought the going to work tax was a good idea. Load of rubbish, no-one will vote for him.

Bigfoot (18/09/2009 at 09:37)

Mr Jones obviously lives in a world of his own and has no contact with the people and businesses of Manchester. My advice to him is don't waste your time !!

FrostySnowman (18/09/2009 at 09:51)

Jones is unelectable in Irlam, they will have to find a safe seat somewhere else. Forget Worsley, Walkden, etc. as well.

shayla (18/09/2009 at 10:00)

Mr Jones. There is no way that anyone who knew how much you supported the congestion charge would ever vote for you again.

You totally disregarded everything your voters wanted and did just what you wanted to do instead. You are there to represent people, not yourself.

In fact, no, go for it, I'd love to see you slapped down again! Haven't laughed so much in ages...............

wolftone, salford (18/09/2009 at 10:07)

Dont come back Roger...

irrelevant, Salford (18/09/2009 at 10:08)

I know somebody who worked for John Merry back in the 1980s... if somebody like him can subsequently rise to Labour leader, then Roger Jones doesn't have a thing to worry about..

Rt Hon Dr Rev MC Spanner MP QC FCA FRICS JP OK (18/09/2009 at 10:19)

It sort of sums up Labour. They are looking to this man for Leadership

Last bid to be Leader - HE LOST

Irlam Election - HE LOST

Congestion Charging - HE LOST

Labour take a man with this track record, A LOSER, and decide that he should be a suitable candidate for the leadership.

Still if it works nationally........

ruth davis, Salford (18/09/2009 at 10:54)

I have never met a person with more self importance than Roger Jones,he always seems to know what is right for us without even asking.If Jones got the job then you could sack the rest of the council,he knows it all.Sorry Roger you will never get my vote,past experience of you has made me wiser.

Squire of Newton, Newton nr. Hyde (18/09/2009 at 11:19)

Lets hope the voters keep this person where he belongs ...In political oblivion, never to be seen or heard from, in his self important role again.

Technobabble, Manchester (18/09/2009 at 11:49)

I rather like the line "Mr Jones has continued to campaign on transport issues since losing his seat and retains high-level contacts." Yes, he lost his seat and went straight on to being a director for the North West Rail Campaign; nice job if you can get it. Pity he couldn't retain "low-level" contacts with ordinary people.

To quote from the NWRC's website: "Roger Jones is the former Chair of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and had been a Councillor in Salford for 26 years. He joined the Campaign in October 2008, taking over from Brian Simpson MEP"

So no mention that actually he was kicked out of office for attempting to push through the Con Charge. In fact, no mention of the Con charge. Also notice the date, October 2008. When was that vote again?

Chris R, Irlam (18/09/2009 at 11:56)

Nice to see people still remember the events of 2006-2008 & Jones' slavish Toll Tax support. No-one is fooled Roger, go & get a 'proper' job instead. It'll only end in tears (for you).

Chris R, Irlam (18/09/2009 at 12:01)

"Also notice the date, October 2008. When was that vote again? "

December 2008. He knew he was soundly beaten WELL before then end (probably May when he was booted out of his seat), the pro-toll labour-loving trolls on here continued their hysterical screeching (ably abetted by the MEN) depsite the tide of public opinion flowing very strongly against them. Jones saw the 'real' opinion polls & knew he was beaten so made alternative arrangements.

Stay away Jones!

JTC Formerley JimC (18/09/2009 at 12:16)

Censorship squad at it again. This paper can be so hypocritical at times.

Mad Welsh Scotsman, Cadishead (18/09/2009 at 12:21)

Good evocative headline there by MEN, should get a few responses from that one

Rammylad (18/09/2009 at 12:41)

Reading the current responses show that about 95% don't want Roger back, so putting our 'were labour and out of touch' glasses on that means there is clearly an overwhelming desire for Roger to return to politics in somewhere on planet earth.

Mark,Radcliffe. (18/09/2009 at 14:11)

Am off to the Bookies to get a price on a Jones/Blears winning double..

Jay B, oldham (18/09/2009 at 15:44)

anyone who was for the congestion charge should know better not to show their face around greater manchester ever again!
havent heard much on Lis Phelan in recent months!
roger! take a leaf out of her book and go away!!

Algernon Blabbermouth, eccles (18/09/2009 at 17:30)

Jobs for the boy's! This same rabble have also foisted Blears upon us instead of the excellant Ian Stewart. And the labourites wonder why socialist's like myself don't vote for them!

Joe Pub, Manchester (18/09/2009 at 19:21)

The 86 bus says Chorlton. if this is a magic bus, Jones could travel on it then he might disappear for good.

AngusDangus, Salford (18/09/2009 at 23:10)

"I suffered a lot from being 'the congestion-charge kid'. But that policy is unlikely to be raised again by Labour.
It was not that long ago it was stated the Roger Jones was touring other cities trying to convince them on the congestion charge.It that more Labour lies?.

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