FORMER Labour councillor Neil Johnson is celebrating one year as an Independent member of Warrington Borough Council and Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.
In 2024, Neil resigned from the Labour Party in protest at what he described as a “secret plan” by his former party for a gypsy traveller transit site on the border of Culcheth and Croft. Neil revealed the proposed location of the site publicly, branding it wholly unsuitable and the plan did not ultimately proceed.
Now, twelve months on, Neil is proud of all he has accomplished as an Independent voice for local people.
Cllr Johnson said:”Twelve months ago, I resigned from the Labour Party. Like many people, I no longer recognise my former party. I have no regrets about severing my ties with them. In Government and in Warrington, they are dreadful and disappointing. Their record crash in the polls demonstrates clearly that the change they promised at the last election has never materialised. They have abandoned their basic values, have no political direction, and they have lurched from scandal to scandal.
“Here in Warrington, we have seen them taken to task by a damning Best Value Report which many of their councillors still do not understand the seriousness of. Their secret plan for a gypsy site alienated voters in Culcheth and Croft, and the recent behaviour of some Labour councillors during the unedifying incident at Culcheth Library will not be forgiven.
“As the Independent voice of local people, I have offered a fresh and clear alternative to Labour’s chaos. I have been able to speak out openly and honestly, putting the needs and wishes of local residents above party politics. Free from a party whip, I am not restricted by having to ‘toe the line’ or worried about risking the wrath of my fellow Group members. I can do what I came into politics to do: put the people first, represent their interests and serve those who elected me without constraint.
“I am often forthright and uncompromising in my views. I believe that is what our politics needs more of. Of course, resigning from a Party means that I will always be a target for their ire and criticism, but that will not hold me back. The people of Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft deserves a loud, determined, honest voice to speak out for them. Someone who will bang on the door of the Town Hall and make sure we are listened to. That is what I will continue to offer. I am not afraid to say the things that others are thinking, and I am not there to safeguard the vested interests.
“I am proud of the work I have done in the villages over the past twelve months. Whether that has been stopping the gypsy transit site plans, supporting the traders in the CPS Centre, ensuring pavement or road repairs, or helping residents of Torus Housing with improvements to their homes. Many residents have told me how pleased they are to have an Independent councillor, as they often feel more comfortable bringing their concerns to me than to one of the political parties. I am out in the community every week speaking to people, and I have successfully taken up over 250 individual cases in the past twelve months alone. And as my recent work with street signage in Risley shows, I am not afraid to get stuck in!
Sign of the times – Neil Johnson at work in Risley
