Wirral Labour celebrates new deputy group leader and four new councillors

Wirral Labour Group has welcomed four new faces and elected a new deputy group leader following a strong performance at the polls.

In Thursday’s election, Labour gained an extra 4,500 votes on the number secured in the 2019 poll – a 4.5 per cent increase in the share of the vote.

The new councillors bring with them a wealth of skills in education, healthcare, reducing food poverty and learning and skills. The new Labour councillors are Clare O’Hagan in Rock Ferry, Helen Collinson in Leasowe and Moreton East, David Brennan in Liscard and Paul Martin in New Brighton. 

Wirral Labour leader Cllr Janette Williamson said, “We’re really pleased to welcome four superb new councillors to the Labour group. They’re bringing a lot of experience and expertise with them that they’ll put to real positive use in the communities that have chosen them to be their representatives.”

Cllr Paul Stuart, who won a resounding victory in Seacombe with 70 per cent of the vote, was elected Wirral Labour deputy group leader. Cllr Williamson will continue as leader of the group, with unanimous backing.  Cllr Williamson said, “I am delighted to continue the work I have been doing as group leader, and it is fantastic news that Paul has been elected deputy leader of the group. He is a brilliant councillor and serves the communities of Wirral tirelessly. His insight and leadership skills are a real asset to the Labour group and to the council.”

Cllr Stuart added, “Now is time to get back to business, ensuring that the Wirral Labour group does the job our communities have elected us to do. We will ensure we take residents with us and that they feel engaged and consulted with when it comes to local issues that affect them.“We have many exciting things coming our way, which highlight Wirral as a place to be, a place to visit, a place to live and a place to love.” 

Cllr Williamson said, “It has been a good weekend for Labour and Labour values in the North West. We’ve had the historic election of Joanne Anderson as Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram will continue his great work as Metro-Mayor for the whole of the region, and Emily Spurrell will be an excellent Police and Crime Commissioner. 

“Here in Wirral, we are already hard at work putting forward our comprehensive local plan – protecting green spaces and regenerating brownfield sites – and making Wirral a better place for all our communities.

“The strong Labour results here in Wirral and Merseyside are an endorsement of the hard work we have put into supporting our communities and helping them to prosper and grow. People have re-invested their trust and faith in their local Labour party, and we will not let them down.”