Mark Hunter was the MP for Cheadle from 2005 until 2015.

Full statement

He was also previously the Leader of Stockport Council for over three years. He will be standing for Parliament again as the Liberal Democrat candidate for this constituency.

Mark believes passionately about the importance of standing up for the local residents in his area. As an MP, Mark led a campaign to stop plans to introduce an unwanted Greater Manchester Congestion Charge, and secured backing for the next phase of the long awaited Relief Road between Manchester Airport and the A6. He also has a track record of campaigning for better services at Stepping Hill Hospital, standing up against Conservative and Labour plans to bulldoze the greenbelt, and winning fights to keep local buses on the road.

Mark worked hard in government to make our society fairer; with other Liberal Democrat MPs, he was proud to have raised the Personal Allowance and delivered a £700 tax cut for basic rate taxpayers across the country. As a result, over 100,000 people are benefiting in the Stockport Borough. As an MP, Mark held a number of senior responsibilities including being a shadow spokesperson on Home Affairs, Transport, and Foreign Affairs.

Mark lives locally in Bramhall and has two grown-up children - Robert and Francesca. He enjoys reading, following Manchester City FC and is also a longstanding member of the National Trust and supporter of Amnesty International.