Tory MP says Labour council resignations 'quite ironic'

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Russ Bowden, and his deputy, Cathy Mitchell, announced over the weekend that they would not be seeking re-election in May.

Cllr Bowden made his announcement on Saturday, October 28, citing the toll that recent years have taken on his personal and family life.

The next day, October 29, Cllr Mitchell announced she would be departing at the next election, too, though gave no specific reason for her decision.

The Labour council leaders announced they would not seek re-election next year in statements released over the weekend (Image: Newsquest)

This was welcomed by local Conservative councillors, who had been calling for the leadership's resignations earlier in the week following a leaked Government letter that criticised the council's finances.

As it stands, the council is expected to be in more than £2billion of debt by the end of 2026.

Before announcing she would not be standing for re-election in May, Cllr Mitchell issued a call for the resignations of both the Warrington South Conservative MP Andy Carter, as well as the local Conservative council group's leadership.

The Conservative MP has welcomed the news that the councillors will step down next year (Image: Parliament TV)

Responding to the news of the departures of Cllrs Bowden and Mitchell, Andy Carter MP said: "It’s quite ironic that almost immediately after calling for my resignation, the council leader and deputy leader have announced their own resignations.

“Warrington Labour councillors have been reckless with our public finances and have now totally shirked responsibility.

"Borrowing large sums to invest in commercial enterprises involves too much risk with public money, they’re not a hedge fund and should focus on finding the best way to deliver local services efficiently.  

"We can but hope that a change of leader will mean a change in their approach, although I somehow doubt we’ll see that in the coming months.”

Meanwhile, Warrington North's Labour MP Charlotte Nichols paid tribute to the outgoing Labour councillors.

The Labour MP has paid tribute to Cllrs Bowden and Mitchell (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "I want to thank Russ and Cathy for their years of public service, supporting residents in Birchwood, Burtonwood and Winwick, and across the borough through a very difficult period - working to protect the services for our most vulnerable residents as one of the lowest-funded councils in the country through austerity cuts, and providing leadership for the local response to the pandemic.

"This has not been without its challenges, and both have suffered an inordinate amount of harassment, abuse and intimidation which has had a profound impact on their family lives and wellbeing.

"I hope that as both go on to new challenges, their memories of their time in office will be unspoiled by this and they will be able to look back with pride at what they have achieved for our town.

"I wish them both the very best for the future and look forward to continuing our positive working relationship with their successors when the time comes for the benefit of my constituents in Warrington North."