Outgoing council leader reflects on ‘best job in world’

But seven years after getting the borough's top job, he steps down from the role and leaves a legacy after guiding Warrington through key components of its ambitious regeneration plans.

Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) says dealing with austerity has been the biggest challenge during his tenure – and dismissed Prime Minister Theresa May's claims that it is over.

And he fears cuts to the authority's budget could accelerate due to Brexit.

"The austerity hasn't finished – it continues at a pace," he said.

"We have had cuts of over £120 million since 2010, which is ridiculous.

"But what we have done, with our entrepreneurial spirit, is use our capital on our asset side to raise funds to put on our revenue side, which counters the austerity measures – otherwise we would have to cut, cut and cut like most other councils.

"We are a victim of our own success in Warrington."

The dad-of-two, who is married to Cath, commenced his political career as a parish councillor in 1983 but admits, in his younger days, he didn't predict he would get the keys to the Town Hall.

"I used to walk past this Town Hall and never used to think that I would be the leader in it one day," he said.

"For me, this is the best role I've ever had in my political career, being the leader of your hometown is incredible.

"I think it is the best job in the world.

"My grandparents and parents would be made up – it's a pity they are not here to see that I was the leader of a council in a town which I'm very proud of and passionate about.

"I have always made sure at regional level, sub-regional level and national level that Warrington's voice is heard."

Cllr O'Neill has defended the local plan preferred development option proposals but acknowledged the widespread concerns over the potential destruction of Warrington's green belt land.

He said: "I understand the concerns but this will cater for our growth.

"We have to ensure we have a housing stock to cater for our growth.

"I did expect the opposition as people don't want change but it is my job, as leader of the council, to ensure we have homes and infrastructure, which will get rid of all the gridlock here, in place."

In addition, he is confident the town centre will be repopulated to help deliver a thriving economy in the heart of the borough.

He said: "Our town centre should be busy from midday to midnight, not the late night boozing.

"I think what we are trying to do by having a vibrant and diverse town centre will match anything that goes on in Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds.

"I am confident the investment in Time Square and the market will cater for a vibrant and diverse town centre.

"Without a vibrant and diverse town centre, I don't think Warrington will survive."

He also hopes major regeneration schemes – particularly the authority's flagship £130 million Time Square project – will be part of a lasting legacy from his time as leader.

"People were sceptical about whether it (Time Square) would ever get done," he said.

"But it is being built as we speak.

"And we have got 8,000 to 9,000 jobs on Omega, which was an old airfield.

"I am pleased with the regeneration agenda.

"I am pleased with Omega taking off, I am pleased Time Square is taking off and I am pleased the Stadium Quarter is taking off."

Furthermore, despite delays over a funding decision by the Department for Transport over the Western Link, Cllr O'Neill has reaffirmed the need for the bypass.

If built, it would provide a new high-level crossing over the Manchester Ship Canal.

The highway would connect the A56 Chester Road with the A57 Sankey Way in Great Sankey.

Any new link road would also need to travel over the Mersey and the West Coast Main Line.

In total, £142.54 million is requested from the Government, with the authority due to contribute £70.2 million.

"It is desperately needed," said Cllr O'Neill.

"If we don't get the funding from Government, we would have to look at different ways of funding it and delivering it.

"I think they are hamstrung with Brexit."

The Labour politician also admitted he would have liked to have achieved more to tackle the town's congestion nightmare.

However, he is confident the required infrastructure will be put in place.

"We will deliver infrastructure before any houses and development progresses," he said.

"We have delivered on our promises and looked after our communities.

"Next, what we have to do is to make sure we have a skilled workforce in the town to take the jobs we are creating."

And Cllr O'Neill believes the Tories are 'running scared' over the prospect of an early general election but raised doubts over whether Labour has what it takes to secure power, if one is called.

He said: "I have no problem with Jeremy Corbyn, or the national leadership of the Labour Party, but I'm not overconfident that we would win an election."

A Warrington Labour group meeting to select its new leader takes place tomorrow, Thursday, with the new council leader expected to officially take over at December's full council meeting.

Cllr O'Neill has vowed to continue serving the borough as a ward councillor and confirmed he is hoping to stand in the 2020 all-out elections.

He added: "The reason I stepped down was to give the new leader time to settle in, sort the cabinet out and get prepared for the 2020 all-out elections because they will be difficult elections."