The founder of a national group which campaigns for leaseholders and a former Roman Tour guide are among the candidates hoping to help Labour tighten its grip on Cheshire West and Chester Council at the local government elections.
While the authority is technically under no overall control, Labour currently operates a minority administration and has seen its numbers depleted since the last election in 2019, after some councillors left the group to become independents.
With the borough due to go to the polls on Thursday, May 4, the party will be hoping to not only retain its current seats, but also bring in reinforcements.
Among those running are Andrew Cooper in Northwich Leftwich, he said: “I’m proud of our new play area at Old Hall Road, with disabled accessible equipment for the first time; our new life-saving defibrillators; our tree-planting, wildflower meadows and daffodils.
“And I’m proud to have driven forward the regeneration of our town centre, such as with the creation of Applemarket Place and relentlessly pursuing the restoration of our library.
“There’s more to do, though, and I want to continue to work hard and serve our community.”
Standing in Netherpool will be Katie Kendrick, founder of the National Leasehold Campaign, a group which has been fighting on behalf of those living in leasehold properties across Cheshire West and beyond.
A paediatric nurse by profession, she said: “I will be a strong voice, fighting for better access to health services, particularly child and adolescent mental health services.”
Richard Beecham will be standing in Newton and Hoole. He said: "During the pandemic we worked hard to re-open local businesses safely. We have also helped organise events and activities which bring people together, and to support the businesses in main shopping areas like Kingsway and in Hoole."
Sam Naylor will be hoping to retain his seat in Northwich Witton and said the town is ‘embedded in his DNA’.
He added: “I have been a councillor for nine years now and throughout l have worked with my fellow Labour councillors to champion and support our town centre and adjoining communities.”
In Winsford Dene, Denise Bingham – an experienced community organiser – will be running for election.
She said: “Being involved in local charities and being part of local groups that care about the future of Winsford is a real privilege. Winsford is my home and I care about the people who live here."
Standing for Chester City and The Garden Quarter, former Roman Tour guide Ben Walker will be hoping to attract a legion of voters to his cause.
He said: “I will be a powerful advocate for Chester, but more importantly, I will be a voice for residents of Chester, the Garden Quarter, Liverpool Road, Abbots Park, and Newtown.”
At this year’s elections, depending on their ward, residents will be able to choose from Labour, Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat, Reform UK, Trade Unionist and Socialist, Alliance for Democracy and Freedom, as well as a number of independent candidates.
A full list of candidates can be found here.
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