McCann stands down to stand up for parish

Liberal Democrat councillor John McCann has withdrawn from his local by-election - claiming it’s a waste of money.

Councillor McCann put himself forward for Saddleworth Parish Council’s Greenfield ward following the retirement of Conservative councillor Dr David Atherton.

The council could either ask the next highest-polling candidate from the election that voted-in Dr Atherton to take over, or hold a by-election, and decided on an election.

After considering the cost, Councillor McCann says he has decided to make a stand and withdraw from next Thursday’s poll.

Councillor McCann - previously on the parish council for 12 years - said those who opted for a by-election are Labour supporters unconcerned about the £5,000 cost to the Lib-Dem council.

Mr McCann said: “The parish council unanimously decided to ask David Caddick to replace Councillor Atherton. David Caddick was placed, by the voters, next highest in the election 18 months ago.

“All three groups which comprise the parish council - Lib-Dem, Conservative and Independent - have put the best interests of the people of Saddleworth first and politics second. Labour supporters seem to be attempting to take advantage of the situation regardless of the cost to residents.”

The two candidates still standing are David Caddick (Conservative) and Ian Manners (Labour).

The Labour party has declined to comment.