St Helens Labour has announced that respected local campaigner and Billinge Parish Councillor Stephen Owen has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Billinge & Seneley Green by-election on Thursday 27 August 2026.
The by-election follows the resignation of yet another Reform UK councillor after only a matter of months in office, leaving residents without the representation they were promised.
Stephen Owen, a lifelong local resident, family man and well-known community campaigner, says he is standing to give Billinge, Seneley Green and Downall Green the strong local voice they deserve.
Stephen has built a reputation for working alongside residents on the issues that matter most, including campaigning to save Billinge Medical Practice, improving accessibility at Garswood Station, securing investment in local parks and supporting community organisations across the area.
"Residents deserve a councillor who listens, acts and delivers. Whether it's fighting for a new surgery in Billinge, pushing for faster improvements to Garswood Station, protecting our parks or standing up for local services, I will always put our community first." - Stephen Owen, Labour candidate
Stephen Owen said:
“I am proud to call Billinge, Seneley Green and Downall Green home. This is a community that has always looked out for one another, taken pride in where we live and stood together through good times and bad.
“My parents taught me never to walk away when things become difficult. That’s exactly how I approach public service. When our community faces challenges, we don’t give up—we stand our ground and fight for what we deserve.
“Residents deserve a councillor who listens, acts and delivers. Whether it’s fighting for a new surgery in Billinge, pushing for faster improvements to Garswood Station, protecting our parks or standing up for local services, I will always put our community first.
“I’m concerned that local politics is moving in the wrong direction. Too many people feel their voices are no longer being heard. On 27 August, residents have the opportunity to elect someone who will be a strong voice around the table and work every day to get things done for our community.”
Stephen has played a leading role in the campaign to secure a future for Billinge Medical Practice, organising petitions, speaking at public meetings and working alongside local MPs to press for a new purpose-built surgery in Billinge rather than the permanent relocation of services to Garswood.
He has also campaigned for long-overdue accessibility improvements at Garswood Station, welcoming commitments already secured while arguing that upgrades should be accelerated and accompanied by better public transport links.
As a Parish Councillor, Stephen has worked with local residents to secure improvements to parks across the area, including campaigning for inclusive play equipment at Dam Slacks Park and supporting proposals for a fully funded community bandstand at Bankes Park.
"Stephen Owen is the fantastic Labour candidate for Billinge and Seneley Green. He's a decent, hardworking local resident and would be an outstanding champion for the ward in the Town Hall.” - David Baines MP St Helens North
David Baines MP for St Helens North said
“Stephen Owen is the fantastic Labour candidate for Billinge and Seneley Green. He’s a decent, hardworking local resident and would be an outstanding champion for the ward in the Town Hall.”
Speaking on his selection, Leader of the St Helens Labour Group, Keith Laird, said residents deserved committed representatives who would serve a full term and focus on local priorities.
"Whether it's protecting healthcare services, improving transport, investing in our parks or standing up for Billinge's future, Stephen has already shown he gets things done. I know he will be an outstanding ward councillor and I encourage residents to support him on 27 August." - Cllr Keith Laird, Leader of St Helens Labour Group
Keith Laird said:
“The people of Billinge and Seneley Green deserve stability, commitment and hard work from their elected representatives. Unfortunately, they have once again been let down by another Reform councillor resigning after only a short time in office.
“Stephen Owen is exactly the kind of local champion this community needs. He has already demonstrated through his work as a Parish Councillor and community campaigner that he is prepared to roll up his sleeves, listen to residents and fight for local priorities.
“Whether it’s protecting healthcare services, improving transport, investing in our parks or standing up for Billinge’s future, Stephen has already shown he gets things done. I know he will be an outstanding ward councillor and I encourage residents to support him on 27 August.”
Stephen’s candidacy has also received strong backing from local community figures.
Hazel Ryan praised Stephen as “an active member of our Parish Council” who is “very approachable and always willing to help,” while fellow Parish Councillor Ben Porter described him as “a dedicated and committed parish councillor” who has “worked tirelessly in the interests of residents.”
Community Events Safety Risk Assessor Dennis McDonnell also endorsed Stephen, saying:
“Steven cares about our residents. He puts them at the heart of everything that he does. We need a ward councillor who can connect directly with Government and fight for the best interests of our residents.”
Residents will go to the polls on Thursday 27 August 2026 to elect their new ward councillor for Billinge & Seneley Green.
Hazel Ryan praised Stephen as "an active member of our Parish Council" who is "very approachable and always willing to help," - Local resident, Hazel Ryan
"Steven cares about our residents. He puts them at the heart of everything that he does. We need a ward councillor who can connect directly with Government and fight for the best interests of our residents." - Community Events Safety Risk Assessor Dennis McDonnell