St Helens Labour has announced its candidates for West Park Ward in May’s all-out local elections, with Patrick Alcantara, Julie Hand and Matt Butterworth standing as the party’s team.
The candidates were 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.
All three candidates bring a strong commitment to serving their local community and are ready to represent residents in West Park, focusing on the issues that matter most to people in the area.
The announcement forms part of Labour’s borough-wide campaign to stand candidates in every ward across St Helens.
Speaking about the West Park Ward team, Council Leader Anthony Burns said the candidates represent a strong voice for the community while also paying tribute to retiring councillors.
Anthony Burns said:
“Patrick, Julie and Matt are a fantastic team who are committed to serving the people of West Park. They each bring passion, dedication and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the area.
“They are ready to work hard with residents to improve West Park and ensure the community benefits from the investment and services our council is delivering.
“I also want to pay tribute to the outstanding service of Councillors Derek Long, Marlene Quinn and Martin Bond. Derek has been a central figure in our group for many years, a previous Leader of the Council and long-time Chair of the Planning Committee. Marlene leaves a lasting legacy as a champion of adult social care and one of the strongest advocates for the most vulnerable in our borough. And my Deputy Leader Martin has been a trusted friend and constant support who has diligently led on the finance portfolio and dedicated himself to delivering for residents. They will all be greatly missed.”
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.
Cllr Derek Long said:
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of West Park and St Helens over many years. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and I’m confident that Patrick, Julie and Matt will continue to deliver for local residents with energy and commitment.”
Cllr Marlene Quinn said:
“Serving our community, particularly supporting the most vulnerable, has meant a great deal to me. I’m delighted to see such a strong new team stepping forward for West Park I know Julie ,Matt and Patrick will work hard for all our residents in West Park Ward”
Cllr Martin Bond said:
“It’s been an honour to represent West Park. I care deeply about our community and I’m proud of the work we’ve done. I wish Patrick, Julie and Matt every success as they take this work forward.”
“I care deeply about our local area and want to ensure West Park continues to be a great place to live. I’m excited to be part of a strong team focused on delivering for residents.” - Julie Hand
Julie Hand added:
“I care deeply about our local area and want to ensure West Park continues to be a great place to live. I’m excited to be part of a strong team focused on delivering for residents.”
“It’s a real privilege to stand as a candidate in West Park. I’m committed to working hard, listening to residents and helping to strengthen our community.” - Matt Butterworth
Matt Butterworth said:
“It’s a real privilege to stand as a candidate in West Park. I’m committed to working hard, listening to residents and helping to strengthen our community.”
“West Park is my home. I walk my dog in Taylor Park, serve as a governor at Carmel College, and love living here. I want to listen to residents, work alongside my neighbours, and play my part in making West Park the best it can be.” - Patrick Alcantara
Patrick Alcantara said:
“West Park is my home. I walk my dog in Taylor Park, serve as a governor at Carmel College, and love living here. I want to listen to residents, work alongside my neighbours, and play my part in making West Park the best it can be.”
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.