THE Conservatives have announced their candidate for the Penketh and Cuerdley borough council by-election.

Phil Hayward will contest the by-election on October 11, which comes after former councillor Allin Dirir sadly died on July 22.

Following a career in the nuclear industry and MOD, Mr Hayward is currently involved in a range of community and voluntary work.

It includes his role as a 'game changer' with the Warrington Wolves Foundation, as well as volunteering at several care homes and the dementia ward at Warrington Hospital.

He is also a Diabetes UK 'voice', a role which sees him promote 'better outcomes and treatment' for people living with diabetes.

Mr Hayward said: "The Labour administration in Warrington face challenges on many issues at present.

"These include their local plan, their decision and funding for the Western Link proposal and the town centre developments.

"These developments are having a direct impact on our community, using public funds, our money, and have the potential to prioritise spending where it is not most needed.

"Penketh and Cuerdley is a great place to live but more can be done.

"Labour now has an unchallenged stranglehold on our town, their decisions and motives need to be scrutinised and they ultimately need to be held to account – this is my intention.

"I will not just be another 'yes man' to the Momentum/Labour group and my experience will enable me to create pressure where it is needed and the action residents request."

Momentum Warrington chairman Kenny Watson will stand for Labour, Dave Crowther for the Liberal Democrats, Geoff Fellows as an independent and Steph Davies for the Greens.

Mr Hayward will also be standing for Penketh Parish Council, alongside Lawrence Worswick.

Mr Worswick is a recent graduate, who has moved back to the area to start his career in the north west.

Paul Campbell, chairman of Warrington Conservatives, said: “We have two outstanding candidates in Phil and Lawrence and a chance for Penketh and Cuerdley to have strong representation on their priorities.”