15th August 2025

Hazel Grove ‘Local’ Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges

The Hazel Grove election campaign was dominated by a debate over what it means to be “local” — and whether candidates’ backgrounds match the labels used in campaign literature.

Liberal Democrat campaign leaflets criticised Conservative candidate Paul Athans for having been born in Liverpool, describing his selection as “yet another insult” to Hazel Grove residents.

But attention has also turned to the Lib Dem candidate Lisa Smart, with some political figures questioning her local credentials.

Councillor Tony Dawson, from Southport, said:

“Lisa has been describing herself as local to Putney for the past 10 years right up to May 2012. She appears for the first time on Stockport’s electoral roll in 2013. Can you be local in two places 200 miles apart at once? A pedant might make an argument for it, but most people would probably say no.”

Stephen Walpole, from Skipton, commented:

“If someone comes from outside the constituency, still owns a house elsewhere, and only rents a flat locally while continuing work in another area, I would question whether they can be considered local.”

Peter Andrews, from Leeds North West, added:

“If you rent a flat used mainly at weekends while owning a house somewhere else, that doesn’t feel like moving to an area. If you present that as being local, it could be seen as misleading. It’s important to be clear about the basis for such claims.”

All themselves LibDems.

Verified timeline

Public records confirm that Lisa Smart was active in London politics until 2012, including in the Putney area. She appeared on the Stockport electoral roll in 2013 and has served locally as a councillor for Bredbury Green & Romiley since 2016, becoming MP for Hazel Grove in 2024.

The broader issue

The dispute reflects a long-running political talking point — whether “localness” should be measured by birthplace, length of residence, or ongoing community involvement.
With voters facing competing definitions, the issue is shaping up to be a key talking point.