LEADER of Warrington Borough Council Cllr Russ Bowden has confirmed he will not stand for re-election.

Cllr Bowden, a Labour representative for Birchwood ward for 13 years, has been the leader of the council for the past five years.

He confirmed the news that he will not seek re-election next May this morning, Saturday, in a letter addressed to Warrington posted on his social media channels.

Among the reasons for doing so, he referenced the strain brought about by a prosecution brought against him which he says was ‘malicious’.

The councillor was cleared and acquitted of all charges relating to alleged electoral malpractice, surrounding an address used during the 2021 full council elections, by a jury following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court this May.

In the open letter, Cllr Bowden said: “It has been the honour of my life to serve our community for the last 13 years as a Birchwood councillor, and the last five as the leader of Warrington Borough Council.

“We have achieved so much, despite the unprecedented cuts handed down by the Conservatives in Westminster.

“We have regenerated our town centre, with Time Square breathing new life into our market and a cinema and university now back in the heart of Warrington.

“We established our own housing company, which is building the affordable green homes our residents need.

“We are the first council in the country to generate all our electricity requirements through our own solar farms.

“This is a record I will fiercely defend, and that our party should rightfully be proud of. Achieved in spite of immense hurdles put in our way, but nevertheless, overcame together.

“However, recent years have brought significant personal challenges, putting immense strain on my family.

“I currently intend to take legal action in respect of a malicious prosecution brought against me, having been cleared of all charges against me, in a case that should never have been allowed to proceed.

“This is incompatible with my position as the leader of Warrington Borough Council, and I have therefore decided not to seek re-election next May.

“Now is the time to make my intentions known so that arrangements can be put in place in due course with regard to a successor.

“I will look back on my service to our community with immense pride and want to offer my gratitude to all those colleagues whose support has been invaluable.

“In time, I hope to offer myself again for public service and will continue to do all I can to ensure our town builds on the success we have achieved.”