Election preview: Knowsley vote overshadowed by stadium plan

Apr 24 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

Artist's impression of Everton's new stadium & shops in Kirkby _400

CABINET members are in the firing line as Knowsley goes to the polls.

Outcry over redevelopment plans in Kirkby, the de- molition of many of the bor- ough’s secondary schools, and mixed news from the business community on its industrial parks, have led Lib-Dems to believe Labour’s hold could be weakened.

Labour currently has 50 of the council’s 63 seats, with the Lib-Dems holding 13.

Council leader Ron Round is not thought to be in danger, but Cllr Jackie Harris and Cllr Eddie Connor face tough battles in Kirkby.

Labour is downplaying the situation and they know the administration cannot change hands.

But Lib-Dems are gunning for 19 seats after Labour were afforded five no contests last year.

In Halewood, the Town Council has already fallen to the Lib-Dems this year, who also hold Halewood North.

But in Halewood South the main two groups face a five way stand-off that includes the United Socialist Party, Conservatives and one independent.

In Kirkby, candidates are using the debate surrounding town centre regeneration as a platform to launch their campaigns.

In Huyton, the Lib-Dem agent and member for St Gabriels ward, Fred Fricker, believes his party can follow up last year’s victory.

He said: “Huyton never had a Lib-Dem before I was elected and now we’re going for all three with Frank Walsh.”

In Huyton’s Roby ward, Conservative candidate Robin Webster is aiming for the seat vacated by Labour’s Cllr Joan Quillam.

This year, there are nine Conservative candidates, one each for Green and The United Socialist Party, an Independent and two from the BNP.

Pitches from the two main parties > > > >