Southport Councillor calls for cross-party support after suspension

Southport Councillor calls for cross-party support after suspension

Southport’s Independent Councillor says ‘Let’s Work Together’

Southport’s newly-independent councillor, former Lib Dem deputy leader Tony Dawson is calling for greater cohesion among people of all politics and none to take on the critical issues facing the town. He says: “The people of Southport are more interested in what councillors can do for their town than the internal issues of political parties.

“In Southport, for the next couple of years at least, the town will be governed by a Labour Council with a Conservative MP and a majority of Liberal Democrat councillors.

This situation could easily cause a stalemate without achievement which would be disastrous for the town. I see it, though, as an opportunity for councillors working more closely across Party – and particularly with residents and traders who have no particular party allegiance – for the good of Southport.

“The two big issues confronting us at the moment are the nature of our town centre and the future of our local hospital services. Both are in a critical state.

“I have already had a reasonable discussion with the town’s new MP Damien Moore who seems amenable to constructive engagement.

“I have established good relations with various Cabinet Members with whom I have spent many hours appointing some of the most senior officers of the Council. They know that any stagnation in Southport’s economy will drag down all of the Borough of Sefton.

“There are some excellent councillors representing Southport at this moment and no doubt others will be elected next May. People will be judged by their deeds, not their words. I would hope that all councillors of all persuasions and residents as a whole will want to buckle down together for the good of the town.”