Macclesfield MP David Rutley joined a recent Diwali event, as Macclesfield Nub News rounds up his recent votes and activities.

The festival of lights brightened up Macclesfield at a memorable community event attended by members of the local Indian community.

The celebration was held at Macclesfield Town Hall on the evening of

Saturday November 13.

Attendees enjoyed a full programme of cultural activities, including: music, dance and readings performed by members of the local Indian community, involving families and children.

The event also featured the traditional lighting of lamps - symbolising the

triumph of good over evil.

The celebrations were then followed by an authentic buffet of specially selected Indian food.

Nearly 80 invited guests attended the event. David Rutley MP and Macclesfield's Mayor, Cllr David Edwardes, were among the high-profile invited guests.

Members of the local Indian community were joined by local faith and civic leaders, across the Macclesfield parliamentary constituency.

This included Mayor of Poynton Lee Podmore, and the Chair of Prestbury Parish Council Ian McAllister attending.

Tytherington Schools' headteacher, Manny Botwe also attended.

As did Macclesfield Town and Cheshire East Councillor Alift Harewood, of the Macclesfield West and Ivy Ward.

Also celebrating at the Market Place municipal building were Lynn McGill, Chair of East Cheshire NHS Trust, Andy Thompson from the Treacle Market, and representatives from local Scout groups.

This Diwali festival was initiated as part of these activities, with Macclesfield pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca generously sponsoring the event as part of the company's diversity and inclusion activities.

Rutley previously attended a similar event in October 2019.

The event was not held in-person last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Cheshire East Council kindly assisted with arrangements at the Town Hall, as they own the building which is leased to Macclesfield Town Council.

Diwali, is celebrated by many people around the world, including Hindus and Newar Buddhists.

During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated with oil lamps and candles, giving rise to its well-known name as the 'festival of lights'.

Speaking after the event, David Rutley said, "I am very grateful to the organisers of this sincere and warm Diwali celebration.

"Its message of peace is very relevant today as we emerge from the pandemic and at a time of many conflicts in the world.

"Seeing people celebrate this event from across our local

communities, highlights the importance of working together and supporting each other across different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Happy Diwali!"

A spokesperson for Mr Rutley added: "Over the last year, David Rutley has worked closely with a small group of local residents from a number of ethnic and cultural backgrounds to support a wider diversity and inclusion agenda in our communities."

It follows a week where many of Mr Rutley's colleagues have been criticised for taking second jobs aside their role in parliament.

However, Macc's Gravesend-born MP does not appear to have a side gig.

Last Monday, Mr Rutley voted for an amendment to reduce the amount of raw sewage allowed to be dumped into our rivers.

The 60-year-old Conservative had previously voted for more lenient storm overflow regulations, before November 8's softer u-turn on the Environmental Bill: Lords Amdt. 45B amid the backdrop of COP26.

The Labour Party opposed last week's vote, arguing for more stricter environmental regulations than the passed regulation.

The motion passed with 283 Ayes to 163 Noes.

In another government u-turn, MPs will vote today to reverse the Committee on Standards vote, which led to outcry at Conservatives trying to let MP Owen Paterson escape punishment.

Rutley was among the hundreds of Conservatives which voted to protect Paterson, who has since resigned.

Boris Johnson admitted at the weekend he could've handled the lobbying scandal better.

In Mr Rutley's other activities, the Macclesfield parliamentarian attended Remembrance services in Westminster last week, as well as Macclesfield's Park Green event on Sunday.

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