Skip to main content

Mancunian stars warn off Tories

DJ slams Tories as ‘rarer than unicorns’ in radical Manchester

by Our News Desk

MOUTHY Mancunian DJ Terry Christian has braced David Cameron for a rough reception when Tory conference comes to Manchester, telling him: “Tories are rarer than unicorns round here.”

Despite not having a single councillor in Manchester, the Tories have chosen the city to hold their annual gathering between October 4 and 7.

The People’s Assembly has already vowed to “take back Manchester” with an unprecedented five-day rolling rally in the city. 

Now organisers have revealed stars such as comedian Frankie Boyle and singer Charlotte Church will join the demonstration. And other big-name backers include some of Manchester’s most famous sons and daughters.

Mr Christian, an award-winning broadcaster and outspoken critic of austerity, announced his support in his trademark style, saying: “Tories are rarer than unicorns in Manchester — its history is steeped in radicalism. 

“It’s the home of the Chartist movement, where the idea of universal suffrage took root, birthplace of Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and home to Friedrich Engels. 

“Let’s not forget about the Peterloo Massacre! What Manchester does today the rest of the world does tomorrow.” 

Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Hayley for over a decade, and stage star Maxine Peake are among other local supporters. 

The celebrities came out against the Tories on the day that a new report revealed workers in the north are £2,300 worse off than the those in the rest of Britain. 

That gap widens to £7,200 when compared to London, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

The figures crushed Tory claims to be creating a “northern Powerhouse,” which is likely to be the theme of the Manchester conference. IPPR researcher Luke Raikes called the Tory slogan “meaningless.”

In a further blow to the Tories’ propaganda plans, faith leaders in Manchester have announced they will lead a “vigil against austerity” during the week of action. 

Reverend Mike Walsh shot to prominence when he penned an open letter of protest to Mr Cameron the day after the general election. And yesterday he said: “As a minister of the church I am standing with the most vulnerable people in our communities to challenge the government to end these destructive policies.”

Tens of thousands of people are expected to join the TUC demonstration march and demonstration in Manchester on Sunday October 4. On top of daily rallies being staged by the People’s Assembly, there will be a festival-style line-up of music, theatre and comedy.

People’s Assembly national secretary Sam Fairbairn said the aim was to “steal the headlines and disrupt the narrative” of the Tory conference. “We will oppose the Tories on every day of their conference in Manchester,” he said.

“It will be the people’s story that is told.”

The Morning Star contacted the Conservative Party for comment but did not receive a response. 

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today