Labour under fire as Lib Dems launch Blackpool Campaign

The Liberal Democrats launched their Blackpool South by-election campaign today with the announcement of local candidate, Andrew Cregan. Cregan, who was raised in Blackpool, said:

“I’m tired of seeing my family and community being let down. I’ve come home to stand for a fair deal – to make Blackpool a great place to live, move to and invest in.”

"Blackpool faces big challenges. Our communities are blighted by dereliction and decline, poor housing, ill health, crime and anti-social behaviour.  Business-owners fear for their investment and residents for their safety. We can blame an appalling Tory Government in Westminster for much of it, but in Blackpool we also have a lazy Labour-run Council to thank for decades of decay and inaction.”

“By voting for the Liberal Democrats, you're not just making an electoral choice for us, you’re giving Blackpool’s Labour-run Council a much-needed kick up the backside to start working harder for you, now."

Cregan's connection to Blackpool runs deep. His family moved to the town when he was just five years old, running a small B&B in the Foxhall Village – Blackpool’s historic heart. He schooled at Revoe Primary, Collegiate Secondary and Blackpool Sixth Form, was a scout with the 11th Blackpool on Raikes Parade, and a Lancashire Army Cadet based out of the old Yorkshire Street Drill Hall. Like many young people from the area, after leaving for university he didn’t return, except for regular visits to see friends and family. His family remain in Blackpool, running that same small B&B today.

On each return visit to Blackpool, Andrew observed with sadness the tightening grip of neglect and urban decay on his home town. “A shop here, a pub there, a whole street somewhere. Addiction, crime and anti-social behaviour encroaching on ever more communities,” he said.

Frustrated to see the resilience of Blackpool’s residents and businesses being pushed to the brink, he has returned to his home town to fight to make Blackpool a great place to stay, to move to, and invest in. He added, “the complacency and ineptitude of both local and national politicians is killing confidence among Blackpool residents and businesses. Unlike our current MP who has abused his privileged position in Westminster, I’d work for better outcomes for Blackpool residents and push for initiatives aimed at restoring pride in our communities.”

As the Member of Parliament for Blackpool South his priorities would be:

1. A Fair Deal for Blackpool: fighting for Blackpool's fair share of investment and funding for public services.

2. A town that works for the people of Blackpool: pushing for a joined-up approach from the local authority, public health & care services, the police and charities to deliver effective, lasting solutions.

3. Making Blackpool a great place to stay, to move to & invest in: by working with local champions on initiatives to restore pride in our town and empower communities.

With a background in advocacy and public policy, Cregan brings a wealth of experience to his campaign. Throughout his career, he has consistently championed consumer rights and advocated for those who cannot speak for themselves, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and social justice. He began his career pushing for human rights and rule of law in Russia, raising the alarm on European energy security, and today is driving forward initiatives for reform in the retail energy market - advocating for measures like the introduction of a Social Tariff and the abolition of standing charges.

He has served as an industry spokesperson and public policy expert, sitting on Bank of England and industry steering groups with a focus on preventing fraud and safeguarding consumer interests. He is a former London Borough Councillor, stood as a candidate in the 2019 General Election for the Parliamentary seat of Poplar & Limehouse, is a Director of a Right-to-Manage company, and remains a Trustee of a heritage building and community asset in London.

For more information on Andrew Cregan's campaign and how to get involved, please visit www.blackpoollibdems.org.uk or contact info@blackpoollibdems.org.uk.