C-Charge put in doubt as Conservative becomes Manchester's 'Mr Transport'

Conservative councillor Matthew Colledge, Deputy Leader of Trafford Council, has been elected Chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority in a deal with the Liberal Democrats.

His predecessor in the role, Labour's Roger Jones, was seen as the most important supporter of bringing the controversial Congestion Charge scheme to Manchester city centre and lost his seat in last month's elections as a result. Colledge has spoken out against the plan. Commenting on his appointment he said:

"It is a privilege to be appointed chair of the authority and I thank members for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to taking on this role and working with all my colleagues on the authority during this very exciting time for public transport in Greater Manchester."

Manchester Conservatives co-operated with the LibDems a few days ago to replace the Labour Chairman of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority with a LibDem one. Young Conservative councillor James Pearson has been made Deputy Chairman.

So Conservatives run Manchester's suburbs and some of the city's bodies. What was that about Manchester being a Tory-free zone?