The Labour Party has today announced that Owen Farnworth will be its candidate in the upcoming Haydock by-election, triggered following the resignation of the recently elected Reform UK councillor after just one week in office.
A lifelong Haydock resident, Owen Farnworth will campaign to deliver strong local representation, protect local services, and continue Labour’s record of investment.
Under Labour leadership, St Helens Borough Council has delivered major regeneration projects, invested in local high streets and parks, supported community groups, and worked to protect residents through the cost-of-living crisis. In Haydock specifically, Labour representatives have backed improvements to local play areas and community facilities, including the borough’s first SEND friendly Library, supported local events, and campaigned for safer streets, better transport links, and investment in neighbourhood services.
Labour says the by-election presents a clear choice for residents, arguing that only Labour can beat Reform in Haydock and provide the stable, committed local representation the community deserves.
Speaking after his selection, Owen Farnworth said:
“I am honoured and delighted to be named Labour candidate for Haydock.
I am a proud Yicker having lived in Haydock my whole live and it would be an incredible privilege to represent the area I call home.
Haydock is a fantastic community, and I am looking forward to listening and speaking to the residents of my community in the coming weeks.”
I am honoured and delighted to be named Labour candidate for Haydock. I am a proud Yicker having lived in Haydock my whole live and it would be an incredible privilege to represent the area I call home. Haydock is a fantastic community, and I am looking forward to listening and speaking to the residents of my community in the coming weeks. - Owen Farnworth Haydock Labour Candidate
Owen has already been active in local campaigning across Haydock and St Helens, working with Labour teams on community action days, local improvement campaigns, and resident engagement. His campaign will focus on listening to residents and building on Labour’s work to deliver investment, opportunity, and reliable local representation.
David Baines welcomed Owen’s selection and praised his commitment to the area.
“Owen Farnworth is exactly the kind of hardworking local champion Haydock deserves. He knows the community inside and out because it is his home.
Following the disappointment and instability caused by the resignation of the Reform councillor after only a week, residents deserve someone who is committed to the area and ready to work tirelessly on their behalf from day one.
Labour has a strong track record of delivering for communities across St Helens, and Owen will play an important role in continuing that work for Haydock residents.
Owen Farnworth is exactly the kind of hardworking local champion Haydock deserves. He knows the community inside and out because it is his home. Following the disappointment and instability caused by the resignation of the Reform councillor after only a week, residents deserve someone who is committed to the area and ready to work tirelessly on their behalf from day one. Labour has a strong track record of delivering for communities across St Helens, and Owen will play an important role in continuing that work for Haydock residents. - David Baines MP St Helens North