WARRINGTON is one of 39 places across the UK and British Overseas Territories to have applied to win city status.

The Government has announced the list today and it includes for the first time, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies such as Stanley in the Falkland Islands, almost 8,000 miles away, and Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands.

Warrington announced its bid to run earlier this year.

However a petition has been launched against the decision.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “Warrington is a warm, welcoming place and deserves the recognition that city status would bring, but it is equally heartening to see the civic pride and ambition that many of our towns and communities have shown by putting themselves forward for consideration.

“We have a great story to tell in Warrington – look at how far we have come over the last 50 years. We want to keep developing as a strong, sustainable, inclusive and unique community, and I equally think that our economic profile deserves recognition too.

Warrington Guardian: Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden

“City status would therefore provide a platform for us to be seen and recognised as a place of proud heritage, unique civic pride and traditions, alongside acknowledging the innovation, partnership-working and economic output that match, and exceed, many existing cities in the country.

“We acknowledge that the shortlist for those bidding for city status is very competitive indeed, but we believe that Warrington is worthy of standing in the field alongside these other bidders.”

Other entries include Crewe, Bournemouth, Guildford and Blackburn.

The Government has not confirmed how many new cities will be named in the contest launched to celebrate the Queens platinum jubilee next year.  

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “Today’s announcement is a celebration of the rich and diverse communities which make up not only the United Kingdom, but also our friends further afield in the Falklands, Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands.

“It’s fitting that, as we look towards celebrating the 70 year reign of Her Majesty the Queen, we extend the competition to include those parts of the world which also hold her so dearly.

"City status is not only about local pride, it can deliver real levelling up benefits for businesses and the local area which is clear from the high number of applications. A sincere best of luck to all those who have applied.”

The competition is part of a series of planned celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s historic, 70-year reign.

Applicants were asked to talk about the distinct identity and community which they felt meant that their area deserved to become a city, as well as the royal associations of their area.

Culture minister Nadine Dorries said "The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is an exciting chance for local areas to become cities and level up opportunities for all. As well as fostering local pride and potential, this competition is a great way to mark Her Majesty's 70 year reign.

"I wish all entries the best of luck. 2022 is set to be a year of pride, celebration and coming together with the four-day weekend for the Platinum Jubilee alongside other blockbuster events including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Unboxed, championing creativity in the UK."

Unlike previous Civic Honours competitions, an expert panel will work closely with Ministers to make their recommendations, before being approved by Her Majesty The Queen.

The final decision will be taken in spring 2022 and announced shortly afterwards as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The full lists of applicants can be found below.

• List of places which applied for city status

Alcester, Warwickshire

Ballymena, County Antrim

Bangor, County Down

Blackburn, Lancashire

Bolsover, Derbyshire

Boston, Lincolnshire

Bournemouth, Dorset

Coleraine, County Londonderry

Colchester, Essex

Crawley, West Sussex

Crewe, Cheshire

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Dorchester, Dorset

Douglas, Isle of Man

Dudley, West Midlands

Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway

Dunfermline, Fife

Elgin, Moray

George Town, Cayman Islands

Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Goole, East Yorkshire

Greenock, Renfrewshire

Guildford, Surrey

Livingston, West Lothian

Marazion, Cornwall

Medway, Kent

Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Newport and Carisbrooke, Hampshire

Northampton, Northamptonshire

Oban, Argyll and Bute

Reading, Berkshire

Peel, Isle of Man

St Andrews, Fife

Stanley, Falkland Islands

South Ayrshire, Ayrshire and Arran

Warrington, Cheshire

Warwick, Warwickshire

Wrexham, Clwyd