Simon David Irving

I moved to Mossley in 2021 after spending most of my adult life in London, inspired by two good friends who had made the move ‘back up North’ a couple of years earlier — I like to call them my “scout party”! I fell in love with Mossley on my first visit, and it didn’t take long before I was looking for a home here. I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a special place. From the stunning views to its rich history and thriving community of musicians, artists and creators, Mossley has a unique character that’s hard to find anywhere else. The shift from inner-city London life has been a real (and very welcome) culture change. While I’ve been fortunate to build a successful career as a software engineer, I’ve also experienced some of the challenges many people face. As a shared-ownership leaseholder affected by the cladding scandal and rising service charges, I’ve seen first-hand how unfair and frustrating the housing system can be. In recent years, hearing voices like Gary Stevenson and Zack Polanski speak about wealth inequality has strengthened my belief that we need a fairer system — one that asks those with the most to contribute more, and puts people before profit. That’s what has driven me to become more active in the Green Party. I’m standing because I care deeply about fairness, community, and protecting what makes places like Mossley so special. I would love the opportunity to work alongside local residents to support our community and help Mossley be the very best it can be.