I’ll break the stranglehold of nepotism in council
AN independent candidate looking to cause an upset at the Halton Castle by-election has vowed to break what he claims is a stranglehold of ‘nepotism’ and a ‘gravy train’ among Halton councillors.
Darrin Whyte, who lives in Castlefields, said voters should ‘not be fooled by national politics’ at local level as he accused Halton’s Labour-run council of having ‘failed to represent residents’ for their party’s favour.
He said a vote for him would ‘end the bias against Runcorn in favour of Widnes’.
In his election materials, he attacked what he said was a record high of £759,715.44 dished out in allowances to the borough’s councillors in 2016-17.
Referring to the uncontested ward seat of Broadheath in Widnes in 2016 and turnout rates, he said ‘apathy’ has meant that Labour councillors know they will be re-elected.
He also accused councillors of having unanimously voted for approving having tolls on the Mersey Gateway bridge at a council meeting on April 23, 2008, at Runcorn Town Hall.
Mr Whyte also slated Labour for what he said was ‘regurgitating old promises that never materialised’ after the recent publication of a 20-year Runcorn town centre regeneration plan.
The underdog also laid into Labour’s campaigning, saying the party was standing on national issues when the by-election is for a local authority seat.
In terms of policy, he called for referendums for neighbourhoods affected by controversial planning applications, arguing that such powers exist under Tony Blair’s Local Government Act 2003 and that ‘the planning system is not listening to us and imposing developments on us the vast majority do not want’.
He added that he is keen to tackle speeding drivers, irresponsible parking, litter, dog-fouling and fly-tipping.
Mr Whyte, who has previously stood for the Trade Union And Socialist Union party but has now distanced himself, said: “Don’t be fooled by national politics for a local election.
“I am the only candidate who lives in the ward and the only candidate to offer weekly surgeries including in August.
“It’s about local issues, local action for local people.
“Now is the opportunity for commitment to the community.
“Commitment, trust and reliability are old-fashioned concepts to some people, but so important for anyone putting themselves forward to represent their community.
“Keep it local, vote local.” ●