WINSFORD Town Council co-opted a new member on Monday night in controversial circumstances, with some councillors claiming the process was 'undemocratic'.

Stephen Smith, 38, of Beauty Bank was selected to represent the Swanlow ward but Liberal Democrat councillors believed the people of Winsford should have had the opportunity of an election.

Town councillor Lauren Scott said: "The Labour group on the town council formally co-opted Mr Smith to represent the people of Swanlow on the town council without asking the people of Swanlow.

"While the co-option process is legal, it is usually only invoked if a ward is unrepresented or if it would mean that any council meetings has insufficient numbers to carry out their business.

"Neither apply in this case."

Liberal Democrats wanted the election to take place on the same day as Vale Royal Borough Council by-elections for the Verdin and Swanlow wards, on January 20.

Clr Scott said: "We regard this unusual use of election law under these circumstances as undemocratic because it deprives the voters of the opportunity of selecting a town councillor for themselves."

Five Liberal Democrat councillors decided to abstain from voting in the co-option of Mr Smith onto the town council.