Council leader makes renewed call for Metrolink extension in final statement

Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, has renewed calls for an extension of the Metrolink tram network to be extended into Stockport town centre in his final statement before stepping down.

Cllr Hunter announced intentions to step down as Leader of the Council earlier this year following a 45-year career in politics which has included two separate stints leading Stockport Council, and 10 years representing the Cheadle constituency as its Member of Parliament. He will continue to serve as ward councillor for Cheadle Hulme South after stepping back from his leadership role as of 20th May when the Council will elect its new leader.

In his final statement as Leader of the Council, Cllr Hunter reflected on his time in office and the changes that have taken place in Stockport in recent years. He also made a final call for regional and national leaders to back the extension of the Metrolink into Stockport town centre. His full statement is published below:

As I step back from my role as Leader of Stockport Council, I do so with immense pride, a deep sense of gratitude, and unwavering confidence in the future. Serving this remarkable borough has been the privilege of a lifetime and after much reflection, I believe now is the right moment to hand the baton over to the next generation of leadership.

Though I am stepping back from this role, I’ll continue to serve as a councillor in Cheadle Hulme South, committed to supporting our communities and championing the values that have guided me throughout my career: fairness, integrity, ambition, and a firm belief in the power of local government to change lives.

Over the past 45 years—from my earliest days as a councillor, to my time as MP for Cheadle, and two terms as Council Leader—I’ve always been driven by one thing: improving lives.

And looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.

Stockport has undergone an extraordinary transformation. We’ve rebuilt our town centre from the ground up, turning what was once a struggling retail core into a vibrant, modern hub filled with culture, commerce, and opportunity. Our borough has become a model for regeneration – not just in Greater Manchester, but across the country.

We’ve delivered thousands of new homes, attracting families, young professionals, and businesses alike. We’ve strengthened our economy, brought in investment, and helped create jobs and opportunities that make Stockport a place people are proud to call home. And we’ve done all this while preserving our heritage, enhancing our green spaces, and maintaining the community spirit that makes this borough so special. From Bramhall to Brinnington, from Reddish to Romiley, and everywhere in between—this is a borough of people who care deeply and work hard for their communities.

The official opening of Pear Tree High School yesterday was another proud moment for Stockport – and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we put children, families, and inclusion first.

Pear Tree isn’t just a new building – it’s a modern, purpose-built school where children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are supported to thrive. Like many councils, we face real pressures on SEND funding.

But Pear Tree shows we’re not standing still – we’re investing, acting, and determined to get a better deal for families in Stockport. From improving children’s services to opening new schools like Pear Tree, our work has always been about putting people first – especially those who need us most.

But creating a fairer future also means shaping the place we all live in.

Together, we’ve:

• Reimagined the town centre, led by one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in the UK.
• Delivered award-winning infrastructure like the new transport interchange.
• Created new neighbourhoods like Weir Mill, expanded our Mayoral Development Corporation, and restored heritage buildings that tell the story of Stockport’s past.
• Supported vulnerable residents, prioritised wellbeing, and kept services running through the toughest of times.

And we’ve changed perceptions – of ourselves and of our place in Greater Manchester. Stockport is now seen as confident, forward-thinking, and on the rise.

That progress hasn’t come easily. We’ve faced economic uncertainty, the Covid pandemic, and growing pressures on funding. But through it all, we’ve remained focused, ambitious, and united.

I’m proud of what we’ve delivered—and even more excited about what lies ahead.

We’ve built momentum. We’ve shown what’s possible when we believe in ourselves. And we’ve proven that Stockport doesn’t just follow trends—we set them.

But there’s still more to do. If there’s one thing we’ve consistently shown in Stockport, it’s that we punch above our weight. We’ve delivered lots of high-quality housing. We’ve rebuilt the town centre. We’ve created a blueprint for modern, inclusive regeneration.

Now, it’s time to connect it.

We’ve been recognised as Best Place to Live in the NW by the Sunday Times, plus the Four Heatons being heralded by the same publication and Marple, Gatley and Bramhall all receiving national recognition as great places to live.

But Metrolink and the connection it brings into the wider GM region will make it even better. And we’ve earned it.

A tram stop at the heart of our borough would be transformative – not just for connectivity to the south of Manchester, but for our ambition. It would unlock jobs, boost investment, reduce emissions, and help more people access all we have to offer. At present, too many people are missing out on all we have to offer – whether it’s our bustling town centre, our rich cultural life, or the economic opportunities we’ve created.

We’ve delivered an award-winning Metrolink-ready transport interchange. We’ve planned. We’re ready. Now Government and the Combined Authority must match that ambition. The question is no longer, why Stockport? – but why not Stockport?

I firmly believe that a Metrolink connection is not just a transport upgrade – it’s a statement of ambition. It’s about unlocking our full potential, attracting new investment, and ensuring Stockport remains a place that thrives for decades to come. As I step back from leadership, my hope is that this campaign gathers pace – and that others across the borough, the region and Westminster join us in making it happen.

As I prepare to pass on the role of Leader, I do so with full confidence in the future. The borough is in safe hands. We have a passionate, talented group of councillors who will carry this work forward. At the Annual Council Meeting on May 20, a new Leader will be chosen—and I wish them every success.

Finally, I want to thank those who’ve walked this journey with me: our dedicated council officers, partner organisations, and all my fellow councillors – especially those who have worked cross-party for the good of our residents. Thank you.

And to the people of Stockport – thank you for your trust, your ideas, and your resilience. You inspire everything we do.

I leave the leadership role with a full heart and immense pride – and with absolute confidence that Stockport’s best days are ahead. Let’s keep pushing. Let’s stay ambitious. Let’s bring Metrolink to Stockport.