Cllr Sean Halsall expresses disappointment as no local candidates chosen to represent Southport at next General Election

Statement from Cllr Sean Halsall as no local candidates are chosen to represent Southport at the next General Election.

It was sad to see the longlist/shortlist for Southport not include any local potential candidates. Most will know I applied to represent our great town and was humbled in the process to receive five of our affiliated trade unions nominations. Not only did I receive the support of those unions but received personal endorsements from local members, councillors, business people and community leaders. The faith that people and the trade union movement put in me was overwhelming.

Just a few years ago I could never have imagined gathering so much support as I drove my bus oblivious to what the future would hold for me. I'm a working class lad who was born and raised in this town and it would have been a huge honour to have the chance to represent the town.

I will not vanish from politics though, I am a local councillor representing the ward i live in as well as Deputy leader and deputy chair of the Liverpool city region transport committee.

It was made clear to me that whilst the party did not believe me able to stand for this selection, I would be welcomed to apply again in the future. I am a socialist and trade unionist, when things don't go our way we don't remove ourselves from the negotiation table. We stay and fight to ensure the people who rely on us get what they deserve; people representing them with socialist Labour values tackling the issues that matter to our communities.

I wish whoever wins the selection luck and hope they give Southport the representation it deserves and needs. They will have to unite our CLP and show local residents how they will represent Southport in Parliament to be successful at the general election. The most important job is removing this government and giving working people hope that we can have a better country.

Again thank you so so much to the FBU, Unison, CWU, TSSA and my own Union Unite for your support as well as the too numerous to list members, business owners, MPs, and community leaders.
Thank you everyone & Solidarity.