A CHRISTMAS lights switch-on has been labelled as a political ‘stitch-up’ by the Conservative candidate for Warrington North.

Questions were raised after Labour candidate Charlotte Nichols posted on Twitter that it was a privilege to be asked to turn on the Callands Christmas lights last Wednesday.

She added: “A beautiful tree – lovingly decorated by Bright Horizons, Callands Community Primary School & Callands Care Home – and an incredible turnout from local residents. Real community spirit in action.”

After being asked by a resident who had made the official request to Ms Nichols, council leader Cllr Russ Bowden, who is her election agent, claimed all candidates were invited but only one ‘bothered to turn up’.

But Conservative candidate Wendy Maisey questioned Cllr Bowden’s comments, tweeting: “Guess mine & other candidates invites must be lost in the post?

“Not a case of can’t be bothered. Parish council organises this & not been in touch.

“Roll on May ’20 people are taking note of the stitch ups.”

Warrington Conservatives told Cllr Bowden it wasn’t fair but in response he said he was simply stating what event organisers had told him.

Lyndsay McAteer, who is standing for the Green Party in the constituency, also commented on the matter, stating that it did not look good before adding: “It should not have been partisan.

“All Warrington North candidates should have been invited, even if they were not standing for a political party.”

Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, which supplied the Christmas tree and the lights, said it had no involvement in the invitations for the lights switch-on.

It is understood ward councillors were responsible for finalising arrangements for the lights switch-on and sending out invitations.