Stephen Paul Carlton-Woods has spent decades building a career at the intersection of media, politics, and community engagement in Manchester and across the United Kingdom. Born on October 18, 1964, in Manchester, he developed an early fascination with communication and public expression. At eleven, he joined the Stretford Children’s Theatre, participating in stage, film, and television productions. These experiences instilled confidence and a grasp of storytelling that would later shape his career as a broadcaster, political commentator, and filmmaker.
His academic journey reinforced a practical understanding of community and public service. Carlton-Woods earned a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Work Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University, a program that emphasized local engagement, social responsibility, and methods for addressing community challenges. To prepare for a career in professional journalism, he completed formal training and became a certified journalist through the British College of Journalism, combining ethical reporting skills with his practical experience in performance and public engagement.
Carlton-Woods’ work in broadcast media has been extensive, spanning community radio and national commentary. He regularly contributes to GB News, offering political analysis and commentary. His observations often draw attention, such as his reflections on Esther McVey’s decision to back Jeremy Hunt in the Conservative leadership race. Speaking on air, he suggested that external factors like Britain’s recent hot weather might have influenced political decisions, while noting that the Conservative Party conference would serve as a critical point for the party to present new ideas and establish direction. His commentary demonstrates an ability to connect national political developments to the broader context of governance and party dynamics.
Community radio has remained a core focus throughout Carlton-Woods’ career. He hosts several weekly programmes, including Good Morning Show and A Week in Wythenshawe on Wythenshawe FM, along with Alty Afternoons on Radio Alty in Altrincham. Through these platforms, he engages directly with local audiences, addressing topics ranging from neighborhood concerns to political developments, and fostering discussion on issues that impact residents’ daily lives. His commitment to local media underscores a belief that public discourse begins at the community level.
In February 2020, Carlton-Woods became chairman of Altrincham Community Media. In this leadership role, he has overseen initiatives aimed at strengthening community broadcasting and encouraging participation. Under his guidance, the organization has provided platforms for local voices, offering residents the opportunity to engage with political, social, and cultural issues. This role highlights his commitment to ensuring that local media serves as a meaningful tool for civic engagement and dialogue.
Carlton-Woods has also applied his communication skills to filmmaking. He produced and directed The Endz in 2011 and Let Them Speak in 2020, projects that explored social themes and personal narratives. These works demonstrate his interest in providing audiences with reflective and thought-provoking content, extending his impact beyond the immediacy of radio and live commentary. Film has allowed him to address topics in depth while complementing his broader media career.
Political involvement has been a continuous element of Carlton-Woods’ professional life. A longstanding member of the Conservative Party, he has held several senior organisational roles in Greater Manchester since 2014. By 2025, he served as Chairman of the Greater Manchester Area Conservatives, a role that recognized his experience and leadership. His tenure coincided with notable political events, including local by-election gains, such as the Lacey Green victory, celebrated with party colleagues and speakers like Kevin Hollinrake MP, illustrating Carlton-Woods’ active participation and influence within the party.
In addition to organisational leadership, Carlton-Woods has repeatedly stood for elected office at the local level. He contested the Brooklands ward in 2018, receiving 763 votes and finishing fourth among ten candidates, then again in 2019 with 463 votes, placing second, and once more in 2021, earning 689 votes and finishing third. He also ran in the Baguley ward by-election in 2024, obtaining 243 votes and finishing third, and most recently in the Woodhouse Park ward by-election in September 2025, where he received 72 votes, finishing fourth. These campaigns reflect his consistent engagement with local democracy and his willingness to be directly accountable to constituents.
Carlton-Woods’ career is informed not only by contemporary political events but also by historical local political discourse. He has reflected on significant local debates, such as the EU discussion between Nick Clegg and Stephen Woods at the Devonshire Arms in Dore during the height of the Brexit debate. These debates exemplified the intersection of national issues with local economic and social concerns and illustrate Carlton-Woods’s appreciation for the importance of historical political engagement in shaping community understanding and voter perspectives.
Throughout his career, Carlton-Woods has maintained a balance between media, political commentary, community engagement, and historical awareness. From local radio and national television to filmmaking and active participation in party politics, he has consistently prioritized connecting with audiences and constituents. His work demonstrates that meaningful public discourse is rooted in community understanding, informed analysis, and sustained involvement. Based in Manchester, Stephen Carlton-Woods continues to bridge the gap between media and politics, providing a voice for both local communities and the broader public conversation.
