CHESHIRE West and Chester Council (CWAC) have fired the starting gun on Winsford's upcoming by-election.

One of three seats representing Over ward on Winsford Town Council will be up for grabs when residents go to the polls on Thursday, May 2.

The seat became vacant after independent councillor, Lorraine Murphy, a one-time member of the Salt of the Earth independents group, quit in February citing ‘chaos’ and ‘colleagues being toxic’ among her reasons.  

CWAC, which administers local elections, received just two nominations for the vacant seat. 

This means current CWAC councillor for Over and Verdin ward, Stuart Bingham, will be fighting it out head-to-head against former Vale Royal borough and Winford town councillor, Charlie Parkinson.

Cllr Bingham, who is a member of Winsford Labour team, took his seat on CWAC in May 2023, and was also a member of Winsford Town Council between  2021 and 2023.

Cllr Bingham said: “I've been shocked by what has happened to Winsford Town Council over the past year.

“I'm standing to be a town councillor because other councillors have let people down and let our town down.

“My life has been about public service and speaking up for those who struggle to speak for themselves. I've been a strong voice for Winsford since my election to CWAC in 2023.

“I’ve dedicated my working life to the service of our country and I'm an experienced councillor who works hard for the town where I live.”

Charlie Parkinson is a former Vale Royal borough and Winsford town councillor, having served between 2007 and 2011, and 2016 to 2019.

Charlie, a Liberal Democrat, said: “I’ve decided to stand due to the current state of Winsford Town Council, which is in complete disarray.

“What I have to offer is experience, common sense, and honesty.

“While town councillors don’t have a lot power, in my view, one of their main roles is speaking for residents, and holding Cheshire West councillors to account.

"This is what I intend to do, particularly with regards the current ridiculous  level of spending on the town centre's phase one regeneration. 

"It seems to be little more than a £21 million car park."