Ahead of the by-election on Thursday April 7, Macclesfield Nub News have requested articles interviewing those standing for the Macclesfield Broken Cross and Upton ward councillor on Macclesfield Town Council, hearing more about their key priorities and what they would hope to get done if elected.

In this article, we met with the Green Party candidate Phoebe Buxton (18). The college student is currently studying politics, and lives with her parents and sister in the ward of Broken Cross and Upton. She also went to school in the ward, as a Fallibroome Academy and Upton Priory School.

If elected, Phoebe would be the youngest current Macclesfield Town Councillor, and would replace the former youngest councillor Fin Shenton who triggered the by-election through their resignation.

Macclesfield Nub News: Why did you decide to stand for election as Broken Cross and Upton ward councillor for Macclesfield Town Council?

Phoebe Buxton: I think there needs to be more young people in politics. And the Green Party is the best place for young people to thrive, especially in terms of diversity as we have a lack of party whips and more people voting with their own conscience.

I have lived in Macclesfield all my life. I have always been concerned about the environment. In primary school I did a big fundraiser for the WWF, I became vegetarian when I was 13, and I have been a member of the Green Party since I was 16.

Following the resignation of a young councillor to trigger the by-election, ward resident and Green candidate Phoebe wants to be the next youngest Macclesfield Town Councillor. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

I've been really passionate about politics for a while, especially since doing it for A-Level. So I want to make a difference for real by doing this out of college.

I wouldn't say I am loud, but I am not afraid to talk or speak up either. And as I have always lived in the ward for 18 years, I know the people and their issues and what they feel passionately about.

Macclesfield Nub News: And what are the major issues facing the ward?

I think we need more buses and more cycle routes. We need to encourage better alternatives to driving. We only have four bus routes on a Sunday leaving Macc, which doesn't really provide an alternative.

And I agree with the '20 is plenty' speed limit. Most of the roads in Macclesfield are quite windy and narrow.

The Macclesfield Broken Cross and Upton Ward is pictured towards the left of the map.

If people can drive at a steady speed rather than having to break and speed up all the the time, it is going to be better in terms of exhaust fumes.

I support '20 is plenty' in both residential and town centre areas. If you can keep a steady-moving flow of traffic, then that is more beneficial than it constantly changing. In terms of both exhaust fumes and jams.

I also think [the Town Council] could do more in terms of mental health support. The NHS facilities and places like Just Drop In have such long waiting lists in both. And if we can have more wellbeing schemes we can help people that struggle.

I think a lot of people have a concern with Green that it is only environmental policies, and that it won't cater to everything they need. But it is important to reinforce that Greens care about a wide range of issues that affect the town, and our country. It is not just climate. Greens are passionate about everything from electoral reform and mental health.

Macclesfield Nub News: How would you propose to support businesses in the ward, and the town's overall economy if elected?

If Phoebe were to be elected, she would defer studying politics at university to focus on her role as a Town Councillor. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

I think we could do more regular markets. The Treacle Market is always really effective at bringing people in. It supports local, small businesses which is really valuable. But I think people find it more exciting to come to markets, than shops that are there all the time. And it will help footfall on a specific given day.

But I really liked how - I know it was government led - but remember the discounts on Monday scheme during COVID [Eat Out to Help Out] I think that really worked in Macc. Maybe if we did something more town-based in terms of schemes that encourage people to get out on specific days and make it more enticing.

Macclesfield Nub News: Why do you think that young people struggle to get involved with Town Councils, which are the smallest form of local government?

Phoebe Buxton: I think people aren't aware of the roles at this level. But some young people are laughed at if they express their views in politics. And even if they are really knowledgable, the response can be 'you haven't lived, you don't know what you are talking about', so I think it can be very intimidating as a lot of councillors are older - which I by no means is a bad thing as you have experience - but if people are told to 'stop talking politics' that will stop their interest in getting involved in it altogether.

Confused with what a Macclesfield Town Councillor does? See the blue column on the left.

Macclesfield Nub News: Places like Congleton or Bollington don't regularly field Green candidates. What is it about Macclesfield that makes them always field a candidate in a ward by-election

Phoebe Buxton: I think as we are quite rural so everyone values the countryside more. We also have such a Conservative safe seat in parliament, which leads to a higher passion in local government elections where most left-leaning people feel they can make a difference where they can't otherwise.

Macclesfield Nub News: What's your favourite thing about Macclesfield please?

Phoebe Buxton: I love working in Macclesfield Library and Caffe Nero. Compared to places nearby, their libraries aren't as big as ours, or they don't have one at all. It is a fantastic resource especially for lower income families.

But we also have so many organic and vegetarian cafés in Macclesfield that I love. My favourite of them would be Gastown.

Macclesfield Nub News: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Phoebe Buxton: As fantastic as I think it is to vote Green, not just for the environment, diversity and our other politics, I think it is important to promote voting in general. We need much higher turnout [turnout in the Broken Cross and Upton Ward was 36.04% in 2019]. People may think voting may not make a difference, but they definitely do at this level. They help people's voices be heard in the places they need to be.

Macclesfield: You can learn more about Phoebe's campaign and the Cheshire East Green Party here.

We have also interviewed the other candidates for the Conservatives and the Labour Party.

See Also: Why is Macclesfield Broken Cross and Upton ward having a by-election?.

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