By-Election to Gain National Attention

January 15, 2014

West Leigh Ward is set to gain national attention next week, January 23rd, for the by-election to vote for a new councillor after Gwen Horrigan, a Tory counsillor, stands down due to ill health. After the rise of UKIP in the polls and three weeks after the UK borders opened for Romanians and Bulrians to enter the country, there will be public interest in who will replace Gwen Horrigan.

UKIP have chosen long standing member, Tino Callaghan, to fight the seat with Tories going with Georgina Phillips, Lib Dems Chris Bailey and Labour with Jane Norman. The Independant have not put forward a candidate but have urged to support Tino Callaghan.

Tino Callaghan, a taxi driver, who knows both Southend and Leigh very well has said he has always wanted to represent Leigh and that if elected he will put the interests of Leigh and West Leigh first when it comes to issues going before Southend Council.

The Tories Georgina Phillips has stood twice as a candidate in Leigh ward. She spoke up about the issue of the Grand's extended drinks license which residnce were not happy with. Speaking on behalf of them she successfully got the council to change the time of which alcohol could be served to an earlier time. She also represents residents on Leigh Pubwatch, organises tea dances for the Iveagh Hall and is heavily involved in the community.

Chris Bailey is interested in building the relationship between Southend and Leigh council and thinks he is in a good position to be a 'bridge' between the two. He also wants to protect the Green Belt in Leigh and defending developments which could change or harm the farm land.

Jane Norman has once before had a place on Southend Council and is now ready to represent the Leigh ward. She is concerned the area should not be spoilt further by unwelcome developments in the area.