Former MP's new role at borough heritage landmark

Jo Platt, who represented Leigh in the House of Commons between 2017 and 2019, has been announced as the general manager at the Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT), which runs Leigh Spinners Mill.
By Andrew Nowell
Published 15th Sep 2020, 07:00 BST
Jo Platt at Leigh Spinners MillJo Platt at Leigh Spinners Mill
Jo Platt at Leigh Spinners Mill

The storied industrial building is in the process of being regenerated as a business, leisure and arts hub for the borough.

Ms Platt, who is also a former Wigan Council cabinet member and worked in PR before going into politics, will start her new role next month.

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She spoke highly of the work already done at the mill and of her excitement at helping to take it forward.

Ms Platt said: “I was ecstatic when I heard the news I had got the job, it’s brilliant.

“My first job will be building relationships with the Leigh Building Preservation Trust and the businesses. Knowing most of the tenants already is a bonus.

“The progression of the Spinners Mill is not about my job, it’s about the businesses and organisations, the mill itself and what it stands for, and the journey it needs to go on.

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“The mill is already doing great things and has a lot of recognition in Leigh, but I want to turn that into recognition in Greater Manchester, regionally and nationally.

“When I was MP visiting organisations like the Spinners was the best part of the job, seeing the good work going on in the real world. Applying for this job was therefore a no-brainer.

“People in Leigh really value their heritage. The mill is the catalyst for giving businesses and organisations the space to thrive. That is better than seeing the building’s demise or it being neglected.”

The LBPT said it was delighted with the high-quality application process, which saw Ms Platt selected from a field of more than 40 candidates.

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Trust chair Peter Rowlinson said: “This is great news. We were impressed not only by Jo’s long-standing support for the project and the community in Leigh but her previous experience as a company secretary, in marketing and business development, all of which is needed for the development of the mill.

"It gives us the opportunity to develop our services to key groups and to raise the profile of this key project for the future of Leigh.”

The general manager role is being funded by money from the National Lottery.

Related topics:LeighHouse of CommonsWigan Council