It is just days away until Trafford will go to the polls with all 63 seats up for grabs triggered by recent boundary changes meaning this is the council’s first all-out election since 2004.

This year, all voters will be given three opportunities to support their local Labour candidates but, with one other significant difference, photo ID must be shown to vote in person.

Here is an opportunity to meet one of our new Labour candidates, Bilal Babar, who is asking for your support to elect him to represent the residents of Brooklands ward.

Bilal, 39, is married with three daughters – and all three attend Brooklands Primary School.

Apart from living locally, Bilal, is a successful solicitor who deals mostly with human rights and immigration issues at his law firm based in Old Trafford.

Q) What inspired you to put yourself forward as a local Labour candidate, Bilal?

The nature of my job means I deal with lots of people who are mostly burdened in some way.  So, I feel like I’m already using my position as a solicitor to help people and be their voice for social justice.

But my actual interest in politics began when I invited the Mayor to my office – and that gave me the motivation to want to do more to support people in my local community.

Brooklands is a special place and I feel very fortunate to live here, so as my interest in politics grew so did my ambition to stand as a candidate.

Q) How do you plan to support the residents of Brookland, if elected, Bilal?

I would champion improvements to the roads, it’s great that local Labour councillors have secured money to support repairs to Norris Road and secured funding to repair other roads in the area. This is despite national challenges with funding.

I’m also really pleased to see local Labour councillors secure crucial investment to renew Walton Park.

The numerous improvements include upgraded play equipment and sports nets, as well as improved pathways and fencing.

So, I plan to continue this journey and help my ward colleagues gather further investment for the area.

Q) What are the main issues that people have spoken to you about during your numerous doorstep campaigning sessions?

National politics has been mentioned quite a bit people are genuinely concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, explained Bilal.

However, I’ve spoken with countless residents in the community about general issues too.  That is another reason why I want to represent my local community because my experiences are the same as theirs, so I do understand local issues and, if elected, I will do my best to resolve them.

Q) Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey – and I sincerely hope that the residents of Brooklands put their trust in me and my fellow colleagues, Will Jones and Rose Thompson, and use all their three votes for Labour on Thursday.

To read the Trafford Labour 2023 manifesto visit: https://qr.page/g/If01AnLdwT