THE controlling Labour Group have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Cllr Terry O’Neill’s continued leadership at Warrington Town Hall.
Cllr O’Neill, who last week urged his colleagues to support his successful track record at the town hall, survived a leadership challenge from Cllr Dan Price by a margin of 2-1 according to a party insider.
Terry O’Neill
But his long-standing deputy Cllr Mike Hannon, lost out to Cllr Graham Friend.
As per Labour Party rules, each year Labour Councillors vote for one of their members to be the Leader of the Labour Group and candidates with alternative visions are always encouraged to come forward.
This year, the challenge came from Cllr Dan Price (LAB – Sankey North). However a large majority of Labour councillors came out in support for Cllr O’Neill after he led Warrington Labour to further election successes last week and because of his track record developing the local economy, regenerating the town centre and creating more opportunities for young people.
New deputy Graham Friend
A delighted Cllr O’Neill said: “I am really happy to get such a strong vote of confidence from my fellow Labour councillors but I am more delighted by the vote of confidence local people gave to the Warrington Labour Party at last week’s local elections. Unlike in other parts of the country, here in Warrington, Labour increased its majority at the Town Hall.
“This is a real indicator of just how much local people appreciate the work we are doing to make Warrington a thriving town where we can all be proud to live, work and raise a family.”
Mike Hannon
Meanwhile Cllr Graham Friend (LAB – Poulton North) won the vote for deputy against long-serving Orford councillor, Mike Hannon.
Cllr. Friend said:”I am honoured to assume the role of Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on Warrington Borough Council, and am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement my fellow councillors have given me.
“I care about Warrington and I am determined to see our town prosper.
“I am looking forward to working alongside Terry O’Neill and our excellent team of Labour councillors, including the many fresh faces who joined us at last week’s elections.
“Together, Terry and I will offer our town a strong and united Labour Party which stands up for Warrington people against this vicious and unfair government.
“The clear support my colleagues gave me this evening means I also have my own mandate to take forward my ideas, and shape the role of Deputy Leader in the way I promised to do when I stood for the role.
“I will work with all members of our Group to implement our election pledges, and act as a conduit between backbench members and the Executive Board, ensuring that the Labour Party remains a voice for all of Warrington and that our administration governs in the fairest possible way during these times of Tory austerity.”
Warrington Labour Group spokesperson, Cllr Hitesh Patel (LAB-Sankey South) added;
“Everyone in the Group appreciates the hard work Mike has done over the years, especially his dedication to businesses in the Town Centre. However, with those plans now firmly established it was understandable that the Group wanted to bring new talent onto the Executive Board. Graham is a really hard working local councillor and is very active in his community; he and Terry will form a formidable team to deliver on our election manifesto pledges.”
Cllr Chris Fitzsimmons (LAB – Birchwood), Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (LAB – Latchford East) and Cllr Peter Carey (LAB – Fairfield & Howley) were all selected unopposed as Chair, Deputy-Chair and Secretary of the Warrington Labour Group.
1 Comment
I am pleased that the challenge to Cllr O’Neill did not succeed. Whilst Terry and I might have had our differences of opinion, I have to say I found him a good person to work with and I wish him well as the Leader. With regards to the new Deputy Leader……time will tell, as they say!