Dave Goddard was made a peer in August this year, and writes here about his aspirations:

When I was offered my peerage the first thing that went through my mind was, what I could offer the House of Lords? After all I was just a Stockport lad born and raised, who happened to end up the leader of the council.

On reflection however I believe I would bring exactly the same attributes that have served me well for almost thirty years in local politics. Honesty, strait talking, passion and an unshakable belief that we can all make a difference as Liberal Democrats, step by step, inch by inch, day by day as we fight to give people a stronger economy and a fairer society.

In the House of Lords I will be exactly the same, challenging, probing, plain speaking, ensuring that whatever legislation passes through the upper chamber for scrutiny it meets, and passes that simple test.

I come from a background of local government; I understand the difficult choices local councils have to make on a day by day basis as they work within challenging fiscal constraints. But there is also a bigger picture to consider, that is how we devolve real power to our big City Regions in particular allowing them to flourish economically, and also tackle the requirement to reform public services. Devolution in these terms is fundamental to ensuring all our communities can flourish and prosper. I will be a robust champion of Cities and their regions.

I will of course also be forming the House of Lords Manchester City supporters club in an attempt to bring some much needed culture to the House.

* David Goddard is a councillor and former Leader of Stockport Council. He was made a peer in August 2014.