Toxic Political environment at town hall

I found it extremely disappointing to report on the decision by Lymm Cllr Anna Fradgley that she will be standing down at the next local elections in May 2020, basing her decision on a “toxic political environment” at Warrington town hall.

Having reported on local politics for nearly 40 years the divisions in local politics and politics in general seem to be getting wider and wider – and the divisions caused by Brexit aren’t making things any easier.

Gone are the days when rival Cllrs used to clash in the town hall chamber and then meet up afterwards for a friendly get together over a glass of beer or wine or something softer.

Any political differences were soon forgotten and people got on with the job of representing the areas they served.

“Career politicians” were few and far between and the vast majority of locally elected Cllrs wanted to represent their areas.

I am not saying those in the corridors of power still don’t want to get on with the tasks they are elected to carry out for their communities – but there has certainly been a big change in political behaviour in recent times and I can understand why some would find it “toxic.”

As an independent Cllr myself I think it is important for locally elected Cllrs to rise above politics and focus on the task in hand by representing their constituents.

I realise with a General Election in the offing it is difficult to avoid national politics at the moment, which is adding to the toxic atmosphere and the divisions caused by Brexit.

So let’s hope come the New Year we can see the back of the general Election and Brexit, one way or another, with all local politicians pulling together in the same direction for the good of our town.

Putting politics aside I know Anna Fradgley did a good job representing the people of Lymm and her heart was certainly in the right place. It is disappointing she felt the need to announce she is standing down but if your health and wellbeing is being affected, fully understandable.