St Helens Labour has today announced their candidates across the borough ahead of the upcoming May 2026 local elections, presenting a strong, experienced, and community-rooted team ready to deliver for residents.
Across key wards, Labour has selected a diverse group of candidates combining proven leadership with fresh local voices. The teams reflect Labour’s continued commitment to representing every part of the borough with dedication, experience, and a clear vision for the future.
The selections highlight a balance of sitting councillors, community champions, and new candidates with deep local ties. From experienced leadership teams to energetic new candidates stepping forward, Labour’s line-up demonstrates both continuity and renewal.
Each candidate brings a strong track record of local involvement, whether through public service, community campaigning, or professional expertise. Together, they form a united team focused on delivering improved services, supporting local families, and driving forward regeneration across St Helens.
Labour is proud to be putting forward such a strong and dedicated group of candidates who truly reflect the communities they aim to serve. From experienced councillors to new local champions, our team is ready to work tirelessly for residents and continue building a better future for every part of our borough. - Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Labour Council
“This election is the choice between a Labour council that is delivering — a council our independent peers say has strong foundations, has shown significant improvement, and operates with strong financial oversight and scrutiny — and a far-right Reform-led council. Reform continues to spread misinformation, is proposing cuts to vital services without saying which ones and supported a St Helens budget that the finance officer warned would create long-term harm to residents. While for the first time in a long time due to the 14 years of tory austerity, we are no longer talking about cuts. Labour in St Helens working with a Labour Government and Labour City Region have secured extra funding to help our residents and our borough. We are giving EVERY child a free school uniform this year, we are offering FREE car parking in the town centre to help support shoppers and businesses, we are investing in Pride in Place for every community, so that everywhere will get the opportunity to bid for grants to improve their area and we are investing more into our Environmental services by enhancing our parks and open spaces with extra revenue to invest in them.”
The choice is delivery over division. In St Helens, Labour is delivering for our residents. We are rebuilding our town centres, bringing buses back into public control with a fleet of brand new vehicles while maintaining the £2 bus fare cap. We have successfully lobbied to retain the concessionary bus pass for everyone aged 60 and over, unlike many areas where eligibility starts at 67.
We are regenerating our borough, attracting new jobs and industries, and prioritising the most vulnerable. We are proud that our Children’s Services are rated Good and Outstanding by Ofsted, and our Adult Services are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.
Opposition parties won’t talk about these achievements. Instead, they rely on misinformation and clickbait because they have no credible plan for our borough. Only Labour is offering a positive campaign based on hope and delivery. We are a proud Labour borough — proud of our roots and ambitious for the future. We look after one another and stand firmly on the side of our residents.
Only Labour can defeat Reform. Let’s send a clear message to Nigel Farage, his band of Tories and chancers that the Tories and the far right have no place in St Helens.”
Full List of Candidates
Billinge & Seneley Green – Stephen Owen, Phil Gwilliam, Rod Bell
Blackbrook – Anthony Burns, Gareth Cross, Paul McQuade
Bold & Lea Green – Alan Langley, Paul Pritchard, Angela McCauley,
Eccleston – Joy Akinkuade, Joe Quinn
Haydock – Caleb Burns, Owen Farnworth, Rachael Harison
Moss Bank – Jeanette Banks, Shana Begum, Tracy Dickinson
Newton Le Willows East – Keith Laird, Ian Mills, Lisa Preston
Newton Le Willows West – Dave Banks, Peter Blood, Scott Smulders
Parr – Andy Bowden, Cath Brooks, Bisi Osundeko
Peasley Cross and Fingerpost – Damien O’Connor
Rainford – Richard Jaques, Malcolm Simm
Rainhill – Dr Tabinda Iftikhar, Elaine Hodkinson, Masooma Zaki
Sutton North West – Niall Campbell, John Hodkinson
Sutton South East – John Riley, Charlie Preston
Thatto Heath – Nova Charlton, Robyn Hattersley, Richard McCauley
Town Centre – Michael Angelo Fisher, Michelle Sweeney
West Park – Patrick Alcantara, Matthew Butterworth, Julie Hand
Windle – Lynn Clarke, George McCulley, Robbie Young
The May elections mark an important moment for St Helens, as residents choose representatives to guide the borough through its next chapter. Labour’s candidates are experienced and committed to listening to local people, delivering on priorities, and ensuring no community is left behind.