NORTHWICH Town Council’s only Liberal Democrat member has quit the party.

Lee Siddall has represented the Winnington and Castle ward as a Lib Dem since May 2019.

He also stood for election to Cheshire West and Chester Council in the same ward in May 2023, again as a Lib Dem, but missed out to Labour's Janet Davies by just 29 votes.  

On Friday, November 15, Cllr Siddall announced he’d ‘quit’ the Lib Dems, along with his intention to ‘align himself with the Labour Party’, with immediate effect.

Cllr Siddall said his decision was prompted by the ‘dedication, knowledge, and honesty’ of Labour's new parliamentary candidate for the newly created Mid Cheshire constituency, Andrew Cooper.

He also says Labour’s policies in the run up to the next general election ‘resonate with him’, adding they’re the only party he believes can make a difference to his family’s life.

Cllr Siddall said: “I’m no longer a member of the Liberal Democrats and have aligned myself with the Labour Party.

“I believe they have the capabilities to make tangible changes in Mid Cheshire.

“For the past 13 years, I’ve been working tirelessly to provide for my own family, but it often feels like wading through treacle.

“I see our police force stretched thin, schools struggling, and our NHS on its knees.

“I realise a change in government is necessary to address the prevailing inequalities and create equal opportunities for all.

“Asking individuals to vote against their own interests would go against my core principles.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Andrew Cooper on Northwich Town Council, and I can confidently say he exemplifies dedication, knowledge, and honesty.

“He is fully committed to serving the community and I believe he will be an excellent representative for the newly formed constituency of Mid Cheshire.

“It is difficult for me to support anyone else when considering Andrew's accomplishments and his unwavering commitment to serving the community.

“Honesty and integrity, qualities that Andrew possesses, hold great importance to me personally.”

Cllr Siddall said he believes Labour’s plans aim to restore hope for working families, who often feel marginalised.

He added: “The Labour Party offers a plan which resonates with me.

“This includes restructuring the NHS, reducing waiting lists, and ensuring better healthcare services.

“They propose the establishment of GB energy to provide green power to millions of homes while reducing bills.

“Labour also strives revive manufacturing in the UK.

"Perhaps most importantly, they champion apprenticeships, offering opportunities to those who may not have pursued traditional academic paths.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to change my political allegiances, but I do think Labour are the only party in Mid Cheshire that can make a difference to my family’s life.”