Worsley & Eccles MP Michael Wheeler has called for a “full and frank discussion” on the future of communities within the Wigan borough following what he described as a “difficult and bruising” set of local election results.
In a formal letter addressed to the newly appointed Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor Nazia Rehman, Mr Wheeler outlined a series of concerns affecting Astley and Mosley Common, communities he represents in Parliament as part of the Worsley & Eccles constituency.
The correspondence, sent in the wake of the 2026 local elections, congratulates Councillor Rehman on becoming the first female leader of Wigan Council before inviting her to meet in Astley to discuss the challenges facing the area and how local and national representatives can work together “in the best interests of the residents who we both serve”.
Mr Wheeler noted that although Astley and Mosley Common fall within the Wigan Council boundary, they are represented by him in Westminster as part of his constituency.
Reflecting on the recent elections, the MP said the results had been “extremely difficult and bruising”, particularly for councillors across Wigan who lost their seats. He added that elected representatives must respond constructively to the concerns being raised by residents.
The letter identifies several key local issues which Mr Wheeler believes require urgent attention from the council leadership. These include the warehouse development off Chaddock Lane, proposals within the Wigan Local Plan concerning land at Higher Green Lane known as Bridgewater West, increasing traffic congestion, and concerns surrounding development in Mosley Common without accompanying infrastructure improvements.
Mr Wheeler was particularly critical of the Chaddock Lane warehouse scheme, stating that it “should never have been passed” in its current form and expressing concern over the council’s handling of objections raised by residents and the Astley Warehouse Action Group.
The invitation to talk comes as political attention increasingly turns towards neighbouring Makerfield, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to contest a high-profile parliamentary by-election following the resignation of former MP Josh Simons. The contest, scheduled for June, is already being viewed as one of the most politically significant by-elections in the country and could have wider implications for national politics.
Mr Burnham, who has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate for the seat, said he wants to bring the concerns of working-class communities back to the centre of national politics, while Reform UK has pledged to “throw absolutely everything” at the contest.
Concluding his letter, Mr Wheeler said he hoped discussions with Councillor Rehman could take place in one of Astley and Mosley Common’s local hospitality venues, adding that he looked forward to a constructive conversation on how to move forward positively for the benefit of residents.
The letter comes amid continuing debate across Greater Manchester surrounding housing growth, infrastructure pressures and large-scale development projects, all of which featured prominently during the recent local election campaign.
