MP set to resign as councillor

WARRINGTON South’s new MP Faisal Rashid has announced his forthcoming resignation as councillor for Chapelford and Old Hall.

He says that with Warrington West station secured and flowers in bloom across Chapelford and Old Hall, it is the right moment for him bow out as a Borough and Parish councillor – with a by-election set to take place on October 12.

Announcing his resignation Faisal said: “I’ve been campaigning for the new station since 2011 when I was first elected and hearing this news means I can finish my role as a local councillor on a really high note.

“I have never given up hope that the plan for the station would come to fruition even when the prospects looked gloomy, but I wanted to wait until it was certain.

“I will time my formal resignation to enable the by-election to take place on October 12th. I wanted to avoid polling day falling over the summer holiday period to enable more residents to take part in local democracy.

“I have enjoyed the privilege of representing the ward (previously, Whittle Hall ward) and I have kept a careful watch over the development of the Chapelford and Old Hall communities during my time on the Council.

“It is sad to move on as the area is very close to my heart; I don’t want to lose my connection with all the people who have placed their faith in me over the years.

“Chapelford and Old Hall is in safe hands with my colleagues Rebecca Knowles and Steve Parish, and I look forward to hearing in due course who local Labour Party members have selected to contest the third seat in the ward.

“The residents should know that I will always be pleased to help them, but now as their MP. One of the most pressing issues remaining for the ward is the provision of Chapelford Health Centre, but again I remain optimistic and will continue to press for this as your local MP. I have been very busy setting up my Constituency Office, which was officially launched on 21st July. Talking to other MPs in the new intake, it seems that I have been lucky to make quick progress, rapidly finding great premises at 1, Wilson Patten St and building my team in Warrington and Westminster. There’s a lot to do, but it’s exciting to get the casework underway and work on plans for some forthcoming initiatives and campaigns.

“I will be fully focussed on making a real difference to whole of Warrington South, just as I have always tried to do for the residents of the ward I’ve been so proud to represent.”

Faisal stood down as Mayor of warrington a month early to contest the Warrington South seat at the last General Election, defeating Tory David Mowat, who had held the seat for seven years, one month.