TWENTY one-year-old Jade Mitchell has triumphed in a hotly-contested by-election for a seat on Burtonwood parish council – and in doing so has become the youngest woman councillor in Warrington.
She fended off challenges from an independent candidate and from the UK Independence Party.
The vacancy occurred following the resignation of a parish councillor for personal reasons.
Jade, Labour, polled 52 per cent of all votes cast. The full result was:
Jade Mitchell (Lab) 394; Paul Hancock (Ind) 287; Ian Wilson (UKIP) 74.
There was a 24.2 turn out.
After the result was declared, Jade said: “I am honoured and delighted that residents in Burtonwood and Collins Green have elected me
to represent them on the parish council. I will work hard over the next few years to deliver on the promises I made during the election.
“My campaign focused on the ‘bread and butter’ issues which affect people throughout the village. I am determined to fulfil my promise to bring fresh blood and fresh ideas to the table.”
A spokesperson for Warrington North Labour Party said: “We are delighted that voters in Burtonwood and Collins Green chose to put their trust and faith in Jade at this by-election. We are proud that she has now become the youngest elected female representative in Warrington.
“Jade is a dedicated and passionate advocate for her home community, where she grew up and went to school. We know that she will deliver on her commitments to local residents as soon as she takes her seat on the Parish Council.”
Warrington North MP Helen Jones added: “I am very pleased that voters have chosen to elect Jade. She will be an excellent parish councillor for Burtonwood – it is particularly good news to see another young, woman councillor representing local people.”
Labour agent Chris Vobe, Jade Mitchell and councillors Cathy Mitchell and Terry O'Neill after the result was declared
Jade becomes youngest woman councillor
33 Comments
3 Comments
…..and the cost of this By-Election to the taxpayers……..£5,000 ?
Congratulation to the young lady but blimey at a cost of £5000 to the taxpayer for a Parish Council by-election !! Shocking !!
Just think what that money could have been used for locally had the vacant seat not been contested forcing the by-election.
Interesting to note that Walton Parish Council for example have had about 4 vacant seats due to resignations over the past year or two that have never been contested thus allowing them to advertise the vacancies and to then co-opt new parish councillors at NO COST to the taxpayer.
Surely the best option for those our Parish Councils are intended to serve, when PC vacancies occur between elections? Sadly this situation is a direct consequence of Party Politics bringing its influences where they are surplus to requirements. PCs are not stepping stones to a serious political career.