At times unpopular measures are needed in order to change behaviour.

These are tough times and under this Tory-led government many people in Manchester are suffering and getting left behind. If elected I will use all my energy, skills, experience and knowledge to stand up for our communities and get things done for the better.

Like many of my friends and colleagues, I can't get enough of Obama news; latest polling, speeches, visits, reaction of world leaders.

Connecting people to jobs and to each other is absolutely vital to a city's economy (and to the wider economy).

There's a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.

The Tories seem unable to make any impact north of the border.

Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks.