Brexit, green belt and investment – election campaign ramps up

In a meeting between the pair last week, Mr Carter highlighted the issues raised on the doorsteps in the marginal constituency.

He says he has a ‘clear picture’ of the issues residents want to see action on following door-to-door surveys over the past six months.

“I don’t think anyone will be surprised that Brexit was the number one topic raised,” said Mr Carter.

“The overwhelming message from residents, who voted Leave or Remain, was that we should respect the result of the 2016 referendum and get Brexit sorted.”

But in relation to issues that are ‘more specific’ to Warrington South, Mr Carter says the local plan has ‘dominated conversations’.

He added: “In my conversation with the Prime Minister I acknowledged the need for new, affordable homes but here in Warrington these shouldn’t be at the expense of green belt when other brownfield options exist.”

Labour’s Warrington South parliamentary candidate Faisal Rashid – who secured a majority of 2,549 over the Tories in the 2017 general election – is battling to retain the seat on December 12.

Labour’s Warrington South parliamentary candidate Faisal Rashid

He has backed Labour’s promise of an ‘irreversible’ power shift to north of England with a £150 billion fund.

Mr Rashid said: “I am thrilled by our plans to finally provide the north with the investment it so desperately needs.

“If Britain is to compete on the global stage, closing the gap between the north and south is critical.

“Britain suffers from the worst regional inequality in Western Europe – this simply isn’t good enough.

“Under a Labour Government, we will see decades of neglect reversed.

“In Warrington, we have had years of underinvestment and outright dishonesty from this Conservative Government.

“Parts of our hospital are over 100 years old. Our local foodbank is doubling its size. Local transport links are costly and unfit for purpose. It’s time for real change.”