In Birkenhead’s sweeping Hamilton Square, the town’s past prosperity is evident – there are more Grade I-listed buildings here than in any square outside of London.
“We’ve earned a reputation for getting stuff done, that’s much harder and takes more effort than what Reform do, but it’s a sustainable model.”
Cllr Cleary is also fearful about what welfare cuts would do to people in Birkenhead.
“Like many places, particularly in the North, Birkenhead has suffered from post-industrialisation, the decline in shipyards has been a long issue,” he said.
“We would be deeply concerned about cuts to welfare, we would want to see a much better strategy of support for places like this, to rebuilding communities and supporting them.
“Not just cutting their welfare which will make life much more difficult for people who are struggling.
“People will be frightened [by cuts], they will be scared.”