MOMENTUM Warrington chairman Kenny Watson will contest the Penketh and Cuerdley borough council by-election for Labour.

The election, which comes after former councillor Allin Dirir sadly died on July 22 following a stroke, is set to take place on October 11.

Mr Watson said he aims to be a 'strong voice' for the ward.

He added: "I'm very proud to have been elected by Penketh and Cuerdley Labour Party members as the Labour candidate for the Penketh and Cuerdley ward by-election.

"Although I’m excited at the prospect of campaigning for this election, I do not forget that this opportunity came at a high price and we are still in mourning for our friend and respected councillor Allin Dirir and I hope to carry on Allin’s excellent work.

"I have lived in Penketh for the past 14 years with my wife Laura.

"We’ve brought up a large family here, most of whom are now grown up and left home, with two boys still at home attending Penketh Primary School and Great Sankey High School.

"I’m very active in the Labour Party, as branch secretary for Penketh and Cuerdley Labour Party and trade union liaison officer for Warrington South constituency Labour.

"I’m also very active in the community, including campaigns such as Fighting for our NHS, opposing the tolls on Mersey Gateway Bridge and reduction in services to Sankey for Penketh railway station, as well as supporting Penketh Library and the Room at the Inn homeless charity.

"As a life-long socialist and activist and I’ve put a lot into campaigning for the Labour Party in both national and local elections.

"I believe we owe it to each other and our children to deliver a fairer society – and under Jeremy Corbyn we now have a party that is dedicated to delivering equality, diversity and defending the vulnerable.

"I live in Penketh and understand what makes it such a great place to live and I want to ensure that we maintain our community spirit and build upon it."

Nomination papers for anyone wishing to contest the by-election must be submitted to the council by 4pm next Friday.

The statement of persons nominated is due to be published on September 17.