LABOUR have selected their candidate for the forthcoming Penketh and Cuerdley by-election following the death of long serving local Cllr. Allin Dirir.
Local resident Kenny Watson launched his Labour campaign in Penketh, at a meeting in which many Labour members and volunteers offered their support.
Opening the meeting with a poignant speech recognising the sad reason for the by-election following the death of friend and colleague Cllr Dirir, Mr Watson called for a minutes silence in respect of Allin and asked for a considered approach respecting the continued mourning by Allin’s family. He is determined that residents have a continued strong voice to speak out on their behalf, following Allin’s excellent example.
Mr Watson has been a local resident for over 14 years. He works as an Auditor, with close links to local businesses, schools, community, parks and environment. He is also Chair of the local Momentum group.
A family man committed to family values and community needs, Kenny is an active campaigner against the cuts and privatisation of the NHS, opposes the tolls on Mersey Gateway Bridge and the reduction in services to Sankey for Penketh railway station, as well as supporting the Room at the Inn homeless charity.
Commenting on his selection he said: “I am honoured to be standing as the Labour Party candidate and would also be honoured to represent my neighbours and residents in Penketh and Cuerdley on the Borough Council.
“I am determined to ensure that Penketh library stays open and to help with its services, to address the growing loneliness issues being raised by older people locally, to be a champion for our open spaces and in particular to ensure that fracking is apposed.
“In addition to championing inward investment into Penketh and Cuerdley, I will vigorously support our community groups and make sure we push back and fight anything that could adversely affect the local area’.
Mr Watson has promised to continue to listen to his neighbours and local residents, working closely with Penketh and Cuerdley Labour Borough Councillors Linda Dirir and David Keane.
Local Cllr David Keane added: “Allin will be sadly missed. For almost 20 years he offered me a wealth of support, knowledge and kindness. I know he would be proud that Kenny Watson is picking up the baton and working with us and the
residents. I would like to congratulate Kenny and I offer my full support for his campaign.”
The election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 11. Nominations close at 4pm this Friday (September 14).
Picture: Kenny Watson along with Labour parish candidates Laura Watson and Victoria Dunne at the Penketh and Cuerdley by-election launch.
2 Comments
Is this the start of the hard left Momentum Warrington moving in to take over the Labour Party in Warrington?
Knowing that Kenny is so heavily involved with Momentum with their support for Comrade Corbyn it’s a worrying time for local labour activists who are on the whole moderate and measured in their approach.
It’s a shame one of the well known local parish councillors weren’t given the chance to be elected to the borough, afterall they’ve worked so hard to contribute to the area over many years.
But Kenny is local isn’t he? And he’s an activist too? Seems like he’s more than qualified to stand for the role and personally I wish him well. Presumably ‘Labour supporter’, you are choosing to mirror the usual bunch of MP’s, the ones who remain wholly opposed to the democratically elected leader Corbyn. So can I ask you just what policies endorsed by Corbyn do you oppose? And congrats on your first posting BTW 😉