Retiring councillor “overwhelmed” at support from residents

A WARRINGTON councillor who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election in next month’s elections says he has been “overwhelmed” by the support he has received from local residents.
Cllr Chris Vobe, a member of the borough council, Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council and Croft Parish Council, announced in January that he was standing down from all three because of “a wide variety of other commitments.”
He says he has not previously publicly commented on the feedback he has received to give candidates contesting the elections “breathing space.”
But now he has publicly thanked all those who have offered kind words and good wishes since his announcement.
He said: “I have been overwhelmed by the many messages I have received from local residents.
“Whether ‘phone calls, emails, text messages, or even those who have stopped me in the street, the feedback from neighbours, friends and those I have represented for the past four years has been humbling.
“I thought it was important to allow Labour’s new candidates the breathing room to set out their priorities and vision for our community, which is why I have not commented publicly before today – although I have spoken privately with everyone who has been in touch and offered them my personal thanks for their kind words.
“Since before I was first elected, I have been simply bowled over by the loyalty and support that my fellow residents have shown me.
“I was especially humbled by the petition which was drawn up locally, asking me to reconsider my decision and seek re-election. That that petition drew such a high number of signatures is something which I find deeply touching.
“However, despite the best attempts from so many of my fellow villagers to twist my arm, I felt it was right to stick to my original decision.
“I am delighted to be able to look back over the past four years and highlight the many positive things we have achieved for our villages – those achievements have come about not because of any one individual, but by our community working together and championing our causes so effectively. It has been my privilege to work alongside so many local people to deliver successful outcomes on wide-ranging issues across Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.
“I would encourage all those who have loyally supported me during my time as a councillor, and since I announced that I would not be standing, to give that same support and backing to my colleagues Matt Smith, Joan Grime and Jan Davidson in the forthcoming elections.
“Their representation at the Town Hall will allow our area to continue to thrive, and make certain our villages are an even better place to live and work.”