Sacha Lord has announced today that he has joined the Labour Party, which is a move he said he has wanted to make “for a long time”.
After taking a stand on and publicly expressing his views on a number of issues concerning the region, and the city’s hospitality industry over the past couple of years – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord, has officially announced today that he has made the decision to announce the Labour Party.
The co-founder of Parklife Festival and Warehouse Project was appointed to the role of Night Time Economy Adviser by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham back in 2018.
He is the first ever person to hold the position in the city-region.
Taking to Twitter this morning to share the news that he has joined the Labour Party, Sacha Lord, explained: “I have today joined the Labour Party. This is a move I’ve wanted to make for a long time.
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“We need a change in Government and I fully support Labour in their ambitions to lead the country.”
I have today joined The Labour Party.
This is a move I've wanted to make for a long time.
We need a change in Government and I fully support Labour in their ambitions to lead the country.
Mr Lord says he hopes in joining the Labour Party, he can help to give the region “a louder voice” – but has ruled out becoming an MP.
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Explaining more about his decision, Mr Lord said: “This is a move I have been wanting to make for a long time, and the current political circumstances have hastened this ambition [as] I have seen the positive difference that Andy [Burnham] has made during my time working with the mayor’s office, and I want to support him in giving Greater Manchester and the North West a louder voice.
“Young people and young families today must be given the same opportunities I was given throughout the early stages of my career under the previous Labour Government.
“Not only was entrepreneurialism encouraged, but there were policies in place to help people get their first steps on the property ladder or discover new career paths, both geographically and across industry sectors.
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“Over the past 12 years, I’ve watched the Conservatives take away these opportunities, by quashing ambition, limiting entrepreneurship, and implementing policies that restrain our cultural progress and our ability to work with our international counterparts.
“We need a change in Government and for me, the only party to deliver opportunity is the Labour Party.”
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography
Mr Lord says he “fully supports” the Labour Party in its “ambitions to lead the country”, and that he looks forward to “working even more closely with the party going forward.”
Lucy Powell – MP for Manchester Central and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – has also welcomed Lord to the party.
“I’m really pleased Sacha has taken the step to join Labour,” she explained.
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“He’s got enormous experience in business and has been an incredibly strong voice for hospitality and the night time economy, both during COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, and he will be a huge asset to our party.
Mr Lord’s decision to join the Labour Party also comes after former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville – who now heads up several business and property interests in Manchester city centre, alongside his work in football punditry and commentary – also famously joined the party back in January 2022.
Neville has also been vocal on a number of similar issues to Lord over the past couple of years.
Featured Image – Sacha Lord
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd November 2022 
