Meet Richard Kilpatrick

Richard was born in Middlesbrough in the North East of England. He got involved in politics when town centre housing was demolished in his home town and nothing was redeveloped. He contacted every politician and only the Liberal Democrats replied to help with the issue. 

He went to University in Newcastle and moved to Manchester in 2013 after some time teaching. He worked in public relations and then in medical communications before becoming the Campaign Manager at European Movement UK where he campaigns for a closer relationship between the UK and the European Union. He has helped deliver national campaigns on joining Horizon Europe, Erasmus Plus and joining the Single Market. 

Richard was first elected to Manchester City Council in 2018, representing his local community in Didsbury, South Manchester. He has been a driven and dedicated campaigner for his community building a reputation as an effective local community champion. 

In 2025 he opened emergency spaces for victims of flooding in South Manchester, refusing to stand down until alternative accommodation was found for his residents. He later successfully campaigned for Council Tax relief for those left homeless. 

Richard is standing in this election because he knows that the Liberal Democrats can provide answers to the biggest questions facing our City Region. A vote for Richard is a vote for making Manchester affordable. Affordable housing, affordable child care, affordable social care, affordable public transport,  community policing, community cohesion and a healthcare system that works for Greater Manchester. He knows we need to reset the contract between people and their politicians. 

His mum died after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in her 50s. Richard has been a dedicated campaigner and advocate for improvements in social care and dementia care as a result. His dad passed away soon after his mum. He looked after her towards the end of her life. Richard continues to work to highlight the plight of unpaid carers in his community.    

Richard has a record of action on holding Manchester to account. He has often been the lone voice holding Manchester to account on budgets, finance and audit. He already scrutinises Greater Manchester Police and Fire Services through the Combined Authority. 

He has developed an unmatched reputation for being a straight talking, determined, and driven campaigner for Greater Manchester.  

Richard lives in Didsbury with his fiance Martha. When he isnt working hard for his community Richard can be found running along the Mersey, supporting local heritage projects through his charity work, and supporting Middlesbrough Football Club.