Independence Day as three independent councillors form new group at town hall

THREE Independent Borough Councillors have joined forces and formed an ‘Independent Group’ at the town hall.

Cllrs Geoffrey Fellows (Penketh & Cuerdley) Eunice Peters (Penketh & Cuerdley) and Stuart Mann (Burtonwood & Winwick) finalised the formation of the group at the end of October after a number of months of discussion.

In confirming the move the group told Warrington Worldwide in a joint statement.
“The greatest strength of Independent Councillors is that they are often elected on the basis of community engagement, an important local issue or seeking better representation for their area without any links to a national party.
“They can be the voice of all residents who might have different political views at a national level but share the same concerns at a local level after all whilst only 31% of eligible voters in Warrington chose to do so in May 100% are reliant upon the services our council provides.

“Whilst it might seem counterintuitive for Independent Cllrs to come together in this way there are advantages to it which will benefit those communities we love and work for every day.
“Our group will be better set to work with council officers, it will create greater balance in the allocation of committee places and it will afford the group leader to be present at important briefings or provided with important information.
“It is our hope that in forming this group we will be able to do even more together for those that we serve.
“We would like to thank the Labour Group at Warrington Borough Council, who prior to our formation had already gifted to us seats on key committees that shape important matters for our town.
“What is different now is that being an official group gives us an opportunity to keep those seats and, should the occasion arise, cover for other members of the group if they are unable to attend a meeting for one reason or another.

“Finally, we think it is really important to mention that discussions around forming our group began some time ago and before the decision by Cllr Johnson to resign from the Labour Group and become the fourth Warrington Independent Borough Councillor.
“As of today we have not yet had an opportunity to talk with Cllr Johnson about whether he would be open to also joining our group but I am sure we will in due course.”