UKIP Warrington believes it can 'play its part' in helping the party bounce back from the turmoil and 'move onto the next level' after assembling a new committee.

Former chairman of the town's branch, Trevor Nicholls, and ex-chairman of UKIP Cheshire, Jonathan Starkey, quit the party before the turn of the year.

Mr Starkey said his decision came about following an 'irrevocable breakdown in relations' with UKIP chairman Paul Oakden and leader Paul Nuttall, who has been the subject of strong criticism since taking up the post.

But UKIP Warrington has announced a new committee to help the party progress following a meeting last month.

Bev Stein was elected as the chair, with Ian Wilson as secretary and Barbara Johnson as treasurer.

Mr Wilson, who was group leader of Warrington Leave EU, believes joining the party will give him a chance to 'make a difference'.

He added: "Campaigning for Brexit was a wonderful experience but also addictive.

"Conversations with others on the team inevitably turned to UK politics and I realised that they shared the same ideals as myself – a belief in individual liberty, small government, civic responsibility and social mobility.

"I've spent a lot of my life scrutinising and criticising the mainstream parties and I felt it was about time I challenged myself to see if I could do any better.

"UKIP branch members really care for their communities but in Warrington we understand that we still have a lot of work to do to gain the trust of voters – that has been our focus for some time.

"It was disappointing to lose the previous committee – there was a fundamental difference of opinion in the way the party was managed – but the branch members were emphatic in their desire to form a new committee as a matter of urgency.

"My background is in the software profession and I've always felt I have great aptitude in the area of analysing problems and devising practical solutions.

"I decided I could really add value to our branch if I took on the role of secretary and I feel humbled that I was elected unanimously.

"I've wasted no time in organising and planning activities.

"Even though Brexit was an unequivocal success for UKIP, we are not complacent and will not rest on our laurels.

"We have spent the past 20 years as a fledgling party and have learned from our mistakes.

"It's now time for us to move onto the next level and the Warrington branch is determined to play its part in this."

For further information e-mail enquiries@ukipwarrington.org.uk