AN executive board Labour member is among the councillors to have been deselected following a major party reshuffle.

Members joined Labour chiefs at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub yesterday, Saturday, for the closing stages of the selection process to determine which candidates will be able to battle for ward seats across the town on May 5 at the all-out elections.

The Warrington Guardian understands Orford councillor Kate Hannon, executive member for leisure, community and culture, is one of those to be axed after being deselected from the seat she has held since 1997.

Cllr Pat Wright, executive member for statutory health and adult social care, was also deselected from Bewsey and Whitecross but was chosen as a Woolston candidate.

Nick Bent will be an Appleton candidate and is relishing the opportunity to win over the ward's electorate.

He has also been approved as a Labour and Co-operative candidate.

The Warrington South constituency Labour Party spokesman said: "I am really pleased to be Labour's candidate in Appleton.

"I am about to move house from Great Sankey to Stockton Heath so I hoping to represent a seat in my home area.

"I think Appleton is the strongest Tory ward in the whole of Warrington South and it is important Labour takes the positive message to voters in every part in the town.

"The Labour Party is a proudly democratic party and members get to have their say.

"We have got some fantastic experienced councillors who will be standing again and some wonderful new candidates who are standing.

"There is a real mix of new talent and strong experience in the Labour team and overall I am really pleased with the team.

"It is now important we work together to build a strong, positive manifesto to work with council leader Terry O'Neill and the team at the Town Hall for the all-out elections – Labour is presenting a positive and credible plan for the next four years.

"All my life I have been a supporter of the co-operative movement and values – they have a lot to offer.

"The values fit well with a town like Warrington."

Tom Jennings revealed his delight after being selected as Bewsey and Whitecross candidate.

The 21-year-old said: "I am absolutely chuffed and honoured to be selected by Bewsey and Whitecross branch members and excited to knock on the doors of residents.

"I want to give it my all and hear the views of residents to help make it a better place to live, work and raise a family in."

On Saturday, February 6, young Labour members from across the north west will make their way to the town to help kick-start the post-selection election campaign.

The event has been organised by Warrington Young Labour and Tom Jennings.

Jean Flaherty will join councillors Tony Higgins and Peter Carey as Fairfield and Howley's Labour candidates, while Russell Purnell will be among the members contesting Poulton North.

This weekend’s announcements follow Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft councillor Chris Vobe’s shock revelation on Friday confirming he will not seek re-election in May.

Earlier this month Mayor Cllr Geoff Settle, who is a Poulton North Labour councillor, became the first councillor this year to be hit with deselection.

As part of a shift to 'greater equality' the party wanted to put up at least one female candidate across each ward.

Six wards are currently made up of all-male Labour councillors.

Every Warrington councillors' position will be at risk at the borough and parish council elections on May 5.

Labour North West is set to confirm the full list of new candidates tomorrow, Monday.

Leading Labour councillors have so far been unavailable for a comment.