Labour announces Parr Ward candidates for May’s local elections
St Helens Labour has announced its candidates for Parr Ward in May’s all-out local elections, with returning councillors Andy Bowden and Bisi Osundeko standing alongside local community champion Cath Brooks.
The team was unveiled following St Helens Labour’s major campaign launch event, which brought together members, councillors, MPs and regional leaders as the party begins its campaign ahead of elections where every council seat will be contested.
Councillors Bowden and Osundeko will be seeking re-election after working to represent residents in Parr, while Cath Brooks joins the ticket as a well-known local community advocate who has been active in neighbourhood initiatives and supporting local residents.
The announcement forms part of Labour’s borough-wide campaign to stand candidates in every ward across St Helens.
Speaking about the Parr Ward team, Council Leader Anthony Burns said the candidates combine experience with strong community involvement.
Anthony Burns said:
“Andy and Bisi have worked hard for residents in Parr and understand the issues that matter most to local people. I’m also delighted that Cath Brooks is joining the team. She is a passionate community champion who cares deeply about her neighbourhood.
“Together they are a strong team who will continue working with residents to improve Parr and deliver the investment and services our communities rely on.”
The candidate announcement follows Labour’s borough-wide campaign launch attended by senior party figures including Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and St Helens MPs David Baines and Marie Rimmer.
May’s elections will see every seat on St Helens Borough Council contested as part of the authority’s all-out election cycle.
“It’s a privilege to represent Parr and I’m proud of the work we’ve done for residents. There is still much more to do, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard for our community.” “Parr is a fantastic community and it’s an honour to serve the people who live here. We’re focused on protecting local services and making sure our area benefits from the investment coming into the borough.” - Cllr Andy Bowden, Cllr Bisi Osundeko Parr Ward Councillors
Councillor Andy Bowden said:
“It’s a privilege to represent Parr and I’m proud of the work we’ve done for residents. There is still much more to do, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard for our community.”
Councillor Bisi Osundeko added:
“Parr is a fantastic community and it’s an honour to serve the people who live here. We’re focused on protecting local services and making sure our area benefits from the investment coming into the borough.”
“I care deeply about Parr and the people who live here. I’m proud to be standing with Andy and Bisi and I’m excited to speak with residents about how we can keep improving our community.” - Cath Brooks, Parr Labour Candidate
St Helens Labour says it will continue announcing candidates for other wards across the borough in the coming weeks as the campaign for May’s elections gathers pace.
Cath is the founder of the Derbyshire Hill family Centre food pantry and has been involved in many community projects and supported countless families and group groups.
She is a school governor and works for a local charity.
Cath says “I want to use my experience and connections to help deliver a real change and represent local people with honesty and integrity. I am passionate about serving the community and making a difference in Parr where I was born and raised.”
"It has been an honour to serve the people of Parr for the last eight years. During this time I’ve helped many residents with problems, supported local community groups and businesses, and worked with all our local schools. I am delighted that my friend and well-known local activist Cath Brooks was selected last year as our candidate for May’s election and will join Andy Bowden and Bisi Osundeko as our Labour team." - Cllr Kate Groucutt
Meanwhile Cllr Kate Groucutt is standing down this year. She said “It has been an honour to serve the people of Parr for the last eight years. During this time I’ve helped many residents with problems, supported local community groups and businesses, and worked with all our local schools. I am delighted that my friend and well-known local activist Cath Brooks was selected last year as our candidate for May’s election and will join Andy Bowden and Bisi Osundeko as our Labour team.
I am proud of what I’ve achieved as part of the Labour Cabinet, focusing on jobs, skills and regeneration. I’ve made sure that growth and investment benefits residents in Parr through transport connections such as the new bus to Omega West, and educational opportunities for young people. As outgoing Deputy Leader of the Labour Group and the Council, I’m also proud that my last council meeting was to pass a budget that prioritises local families, protects our key services and invests in the community across St Helens.
As a local resident and the mum of two kids growing up in St Helens, I am passionate about continuing to support the next generation to believe in themselves and believe in our borough, which has an exciting future ahead.”