Cheshire West & Chester Councillor Resigns

Councillor Gareth Gould has decided to step down on health grounds, leaving a vacancy in the Strawberry Ward in Great Sutton.

Voters in part of Ellesmere Port will be going to the polls in the weeks ahead following the resignation of a councillor.

Councillor Gareth Gould has decided to step down on health grounds, leaving a vacancy in the Strawberry ward in Great Sutton.

Mr Gould, who served for two years as Deputy Mayor of Ellesmere Port and Mayor from 2023-24, said: 

“It has been an honour to serve as councillor for Strawberry over the past six years in supporting residents with their concerns and representing them on the council.

“I wish my fellow residents and former council colleagues well for the future.”

Leaders of the controlling Labour group on Cheshire West and Chester Council have wasted no time in choosing Kris Fisher from the ward to be their candidate for the by-election which will be held on Thursday, October 2.

Mr Fisher said: 

“I was born and raised in Strawberry. I’ve lived and studied here and I’m proud to call Ellesmere Port home.

“After university I spent many years serving the public in the Fire Service Control Room, supporting frontline crews and keeping people safe.

“I’m not a career politician. I have a real job. I’ve served the public and I work in industry.

“I now wish to serve my area as its local councillor.”

Labour now holds 34 seats on the 70-member council, there are 22 Conservatives, six Unaligned Independent members, two Green councillors, two Independents, two members of Reform UK and one Liberal Democrat. The chair of the council is Labour councillor Robert Bisset.

The Nominations Period for the by-election starts on Friday, August 29th and closes at 4pm on Friday, September 5th. 

Pictured: Former Councillor Gareth Gould.