'Nothing will change' - former rebel Labour councillor criticises WBC leader

Cllr Kevin Bennett, who has represented Fairfield and Howley since 2008, resigned from the party last month following a turbulent spell which included a six-month suspension for defying the party whip.

But as his attention shifts to standing as Warrington South's Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate, as well as Fairfield and Howley council representative for the party, Cllr Bennett insists Labour's democratic policy must change.

"The problem within the Labour group was that I was being shut down and stopped from having a voice before any decisions were made," he said.

"If I had that voice within the Labour group, not outside, I would have gone along with the collective responsibility - I felt that I was equal to every councillor in the room and deserved a voice.

"I was feeling humiliated and for my last issue on adult social care I followed the democratic procedure but still I did not get anywhere.

"I think they were going to give me another sanction so that is why I left but nothing will change while this leadership is in charge."

Despite the claims by Cllr Bennett, Warrington Borough Council leader Terry O'Neill is refusing to accept any wrongdoing in the matter and insists the 'open and democratic process' will continue to be used.

"What Cllr Bennett did not understand was collective responsibility - we have a discussion within our group and will then make a decision," he said.

"We have always used the correct democratic process. During all my years on this council we have always had frank and open discussions in our group.

"We understand that once decisions are made in the group that they are a policy of the council and there will be no forcing of anything - it is all open and honest.

"I am quite happy with the way the Labour group operates on this council and the way the administration is delivering in these very difficult times for the people of Warrington."