Green Party will not field Warrington South candidate to avoid ‘splitting anti-Tory vote’

Leader Steph Davies, who won 1,765 votes in the constituency in the 2015 General Election, announced the news.

She said: "Warrington and Halton Green Party has taken the decision not to field a candidate in Warrington South at the forthcoming General Election in the interests of developing progressive electoral alliances and not splitting the anti-Tory vote.

"This is a positive and proactive decision which we would encourage other parties to consider."

Conservative David Mowat beat Labour's Nick Bent by 2,750 votes in 2015.

The Greens have confirmed Lyndsay McAteer will stand in Warrington North.

She said: "I am grateful to all of the Warrington and Halton Green Party members, who have put their faith in me to be the candidate to make a real change in Warrington North.

"This election is an incredible chance to show that the people of Warrington are not willing to accept more of the same empty promises, the same broken pledges and the same lack of direction that has been offered in the past.

"We need fairness for all constituents across Warrington and the Green Party is the party to make that happen."

Ms Davies added: "Lyndsay has been actively involved in Warrington and Halton Green Party since 2005 and was in fact a founder member.

"She has previously been involved in politics in New Zealand.

"Lyndsay has built a profile in Warrington over the last 10 years and has supported a number of recent community campaigns, including fighting the YMCA and library closures and fracking in Woolston.

"She is passionate about the town and fighting for equality in all areas and would be a great asset as MP for Warrington North."

Sarah Hayes secured 1,264 votes after standing for the party in the constituency in 2015.