A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has been accused of being a ‘part-timer’ after it was revealed he will be standing in next month’s elections in Chorley.

Westbrook councillor Stefan Krizanac – who has stood as a parliamentary candidate in Warrington North twice – is hoping to win a seat on Chorley Council on May 2.

But the party says he will not give up his Westbrook seat before the all-out elections in Warrington next year – even if he is successful next month.

It has sparked anger among Labour councillors, including council leader Cllr Russ Bowden.

Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) tweeted: “Always good to see Cllrs committed to their ward & residents!

“What does this say to the people of Westbrook and #Warrington?

“Final proof of a part-timer, shameful betrayal or just running scared?

“Duping residents for months & two-timing Westbrook & Warrington with his hometown of Chorley.”

Cllr Bowden also asked whether the Liberal Democrats will ‘do the decent thing’ and ‘finally call time’ on Cllr Krizanac.

Cllr Judith Guthrie (LAB – Westbrook) also accused Cllr Krizanac of being a ‘part-time councillor’ and said Westbrook ‘deserves better’.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Judith Guthrie and Cllr Stefan Krizanac at the all-out elections in 2016

A Twitter row later erupted between Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, Cllr Tom Jennings (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross) and Cllr Bowden.

Cllr Jennings claimed Cllr Krizanac ‘clearly has no commitment to Westbrook or care for residents’ expectations’ but is ‘happy to take their money’ while campaigning for a seat in Chorley.

He also claimed there was collusion among the Liberal Democrats to ‘dupe Westbrook residents’ and ‘line the pockets’ of Cllr Krizanac.

But Cllr Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) – who said his colleague will serve Westbrook for his full four-year term – hit back.

He tweeted: “Stefan has considerably more commitment to his ward than some of your colleagues.

“This is cheap and unpleasant campaigning that is beneath you!

“We won’t stand down a hard-working, locally employed, willing and well-liked councillor, and incur the costs of a by-election, just to let an impatient ambitious Labour candidate, unwilling to wait until all-outs next year, have a go.”

Cllr Krizanac has confirmed he works at Royal Mail’s site at Omega in Warrington.

He moved to Chorley – which is around 25 miles away from Warrington – in 2017 after getting married to wife Christine.

The Liberal Democrats say Cllr Krizanac is standing in the Chorley North West ward as a ‘paper candidate’ to make up a slate of the party’s candidates in Chorley for the future, with members also claiming he ‘is not actively campaigning’.

Warrington Borough Council (WBC) has confirmed that, for the 2016 all-out elections, Cllr Krizanac submitted a valid nomination paper using one or more of the required criteria.

This remains in place for the full term of office in Warrington – which is until the May 2020 all-out elections.

In regards to standing as a candidate for Chorley Council, the politician has fulfilled the residence qualification requirement, having resided in the borough since July 2017.

Nominations have now closed and the paper cannot be withdrawn.

WBC added there is no prohibition or disqualification from serving in two separate authorities at the same time provided someone qualifies, or is not disqualified.