LOCAL Tories have “come clean” about the residency of one of their candidates after being accused by a Labour rival of showing “contempt” to the people of Rixton and Woolston, by putting someone forward living in Sheffield.
Labour Parish Councillor Andrew Hill, who will be contesting the ward at the Warrington Borough Council elections on May 5th, hit out at the Conservative Party and urged them to “come clean” over the residency of one of their candidates, Isaac Tweedale, who shows his residency as Sheffield on social media.
Andrew Hill
Responding to Labour’s claims, Isaac said, “I have never hidden the fact that I currently attend the University of Sheffield.
“Aside from my time at university, I have lived in Warrington my entire life and still do. Given the fast transport links to and from Warrington and Sheffield, as well as the advances in technology and social media, I will be just as, if not possibly more accessible than my opposing candidates.
“I feel Mr. Hill should be taking pride in the fact a young Warringtonian is getting involved in shaping his town’s future and prepared to put his name forward.”
In a press statement saying he had “rumbled the Conservative Party” Councillor Hill said: “They are offering the people of Rixton and Woolston a candidate whose Facebook account reveals that he actually lives in Sheffield.
“This comes in the same week that the leader of the Conservative Group at the Town Hall told residents his party was fielding candidates who have “strong ties” to the community.
“How can someone who lives in Sheffield properly represent Rixton, Glazebrook and Woolston? Sheffield is two hours away by train or car – if Mr Tweedale was elected, how can we rely on him to turn up to Town Hall when our community needs him?
“Rixton and Woolston deserves local representatives who know the area – not an absent candidate who doesn’t even reside in Warrington. I challenge the Conservative Party to come clean over their Sheffield candidate, instead of treating my community with such contempt.”
But a Tory spokesman hit back saying: “We believe Isaac will be an excellent Candidate and if elected Councillor for the people of Rixton and Woolston, he will bring a breath of fresh air with his youth and enthusiasm.
“This combined with the experience of our other two Candidates in the ward, Howard Klein and Mark Chapman, the residents of Rixton and Woolston will have a trustworthy and united team dedicated to doing their best for them and Warrington.”
