Veteran councillor and former mayor quits Labour after suspension
He's represented his ward since 1998
Cllr Kevan Wainwright
A veteran Halton Labour councillor and former mayor has quit the party after being suspended. Kevan Wainwright has represented the Hough Green ward in Widnes for Labour since 1998 but was recently suspended by the national party following what he said was an ‘internal disagreement’ relating to canvassing in his ward.
He was awaiting a hearing but has decided to step away from Labour altogether and said he will continue to represent the ward as an independent. Cllr Wainwright – who was Mayor of Halton in 2024-25 – told the LDRS: “While I’m awaiting a hearing I am suspended by Labour so not able to speak at council meetings, which doesn’t allow me to properly represent my constituents.
“So I’ve had no choice but to leave the group and the party.” Mike Wharton, leader of Halton Borough Council and of the Halton Labour group, said: “Cllr Wainwright was suspended by the national Labour Party and has decided to leave the party.”
Labour North West did not respond to request for comment.