Labour team will fight on

LABOUR’S top team on Warrington Borough Council has been re-elected unopposed.
Coun Terry O’Neill (pictured) was re-elected leader at the annual general meeting of the Labour Group, as was his deputy, Coun Mike Hannon.
The chief whip remains Coun Brian Maher, the chairman is still Coun Kate Hannon and the group secretary remains Coun John Kerr-Brown.
In addition the following members were elected unopposed to the Labour Group executive: councillors Jill Bolton, Yvonne Fovargue, Pauline Nelson, John Joyce and Paul Kenny.
Coun O’Neill said: “Labour has a strong group of committed councillors who will hold the Lib Dem/Tory coalition to account.
“We believe that the council can and must perform better. We will continue to be an effective opposition, supporting the council where we agree but offering robust opposition when we do not.
“Labour councillors will be out and about working in their local communities and ensuring that the council responds positively to the issues that are important to those communities.”
One issue which is likely to return to the top of the political agenda is the forthcoming review of school provision.
Coun O’Neill added: “After the scandalous decision to close Woolston High School, we will keep a close eye on this review to protect those communities which may face the swing of the Lib Dem/Tory axe.
“This is a council which cuts services, charges more for the services it offers and increases council tax by nearly twice the rate of inflation in each of the last two years.”