We Ask Former Westminster Election, Now Council Candidates, If Standing Again…

A handful of council election candidates also sought office in the 2015 General Election, after today’s news we got in touch with them…

Today we asked former candidates from 2015 General Election who are also standing in the May 4th Council elections for their thoughts on the snap election call, and if they were intending to stand for Parliament again.

We also asked if they were to stand, would they resign as councillor (assuming they win that election!) or look for two jobs.

First to reply was Carrie Harper, Plaid Cymru’s Wrexham spokesperson who is standing to be a councillor in Queensway. She said: “Following the announcement this morning of the snap general election to be held on the 8th June, Plaid Cymru will now begin the process of selecting our local candidate for Wrexham.

“Local council elections will be taking place in just over a fortnight and our strong team of Wrexham candidates will remain focussed on speaking to as many local people as possible over the coming weeks. We are determined to deliver the positive change Wrexham needs.

“The early general election is also an opportunity for the people of Wrexham to make our voice heard. The time has come to put Wales first and back our national party.

“Labour are in chaos, the Tories will continue to decimate our communities, Plaid Cymru will always put the people of Wales first and steer a positive course for our nation.

“Politics is changing, let’s makes sure Wales’ needs and aspirations are heard loud and clear.”

Rob Walsh, the Liberal Democrat candidate last time around and now Llay Councillor / candidate for Llay in the coming Council Elections responded to our message via a public tweet that ruled him out of the General Election 2017 : “I can confirm that I will NOT be standing to become @wrexham MP. Am councillor for Llay & hope to be re-elected to @wrexhamcbc on 4th May.”

Early this evening Conservative Andrew Atkinson – who is also standing to be a Councillor in Gresford – told us: “I’ve always made clear to people that I’d want to stand for Parliament again as there is so much that needs doing for our town. I’m committed to getting things done for Gresford and for Wrexham but as I’m not selected as the candidate for Wrexham, as this is quite unexpected, there’s not much more I can say at the moment but I will of course keep people updated.

“I’m determined to improve Gresford and Wrexham at a Council level so right now this is the only thing on my mind.

“As I’ve said in this Council Election I want to carry on my work for Wrexham town centre and work in other parts of Wrexham as well. I’ll do all that I can however I can to make Wrexham and Gresford even better.”

Of course we have a current MP, the winner back in 2015 – Ian Lucas…

We asked Mr Lucas about the snap election call. He told us: “This is a cynical, self-serving move by the Conservative Government. “I will fight for Wrexham, which has suffered massively under the Conservatives.”

“We need a post Brexit vision for Britain which is fairer, more equal and positive. Only Labour can provide this.”

Tomorrow will see a formal vote to enact the election call today, however it appears the vote will pass – meaning the election will be June 8th.

The possible timeline could see Parliament dissolved on May 3rd, the day before the Council elections, with a possible deadline for candidates to declare if they are standing by 11th May.

Top Pic: The candidates from 2015.