Former mayor among councillors deselected from contesting 2020 elections

Cllr Morgan resigned as mayor in March after posting ‘shameful’ comments about Warrington Wolves player Toby King and his brother George, who has now left the club.

Cllr Joan Grime and Cllr Russell Purnell have also been deselected and have confirmed they will not be appealing against the decision, however, Cllr Jan Davidson said she will appeal.

The Warrington Guardian understands former mayors Cllr Morgan and Cllr Peter Carey were also deselected but the pair have declined to comment further.

Cllr Purnell said: “I wish all of the candidates the best of luck.”

The process to select candidates for the elections is being managed by the party’s regional office.

Councillors, who wish to stand in 2020, were put through interviews last weekend.

The councillors who have been deselected have 14 days, from the day of the decision, to appeal.

Labour chiefs said they are confident the selection process was conducted in line with party rules.

A spokeswoman added: “We do not comment on internal selection procedures.”

Labour’s shortlisting and selections event will be held – all in one day – in May next year.

A number of councillors, including former deputy council leader Cllr Mike Hannon, opted against putting their name forward and will be stepping down in 2020.

Cllr Hannon said he was pleased with a range of achievements since being elected in 1983, including helping to turn the vision for Orford Jubilee Hub and the controversial ‘skittles’ in Warrington town centre into reality.

He added: “I am pleased the Guardian itself recognised me with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am pleased with some of the things I did, although it got me in trouble sometimes.

“Would I do the same again if my time came around? Yes, I would.

“I have got fond memories that my children and grandchildren can look back on.

“I am going away with a lot of happy memories.”