The leader of Knowsley Council said he “can’t put a finger on” why Labour has lost two deputy leaders in two years in the same ward.
Despite a strong showing in last week’s elections, the authority’s deputy leader Louise Harbour was ousted from her seat in Whitefield ward to Independent Steve Guy. Last time out in 2021, Labour’s former deputy leader Sean Donnelly lost his seat in Kirkby to former firefighter Steve Smith.
Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, said the loss of former Cllr Harbour, who held the cabinet portfolio for adult social care, had been a “big blow” but was pleased with his party’s overall campaign. He said: “We only lost one seat and I thought we fought a positive campaign, we had good stories to tell.
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“We ran the Green Party leader close in Prescot South and we’ll carry on positively in Prescot North. It was disappointing to lose Louise, but in the four years I’ve been leader and the time she was a councillor, the transformation in Kirkby has been second to none. Louise played a big part in that going forward.”
On losing deputy leaders in back-to-back elections, Cllr Morgan, who has been a councillor since 1995, said social media had played a part. He said: “We can’t put a finger on it. There was a lot of nastiness and untruths during the campaign and on social media.
“Louise worked tirelessly for the ward and it was a big blow to us. We’ve lost a great community councillor.”
Ms Harbour posted on social media following her defeat and paid tribute to those she had worked alongside. In a series of tweets, she said: "Being a councillor for Whitefield ward these past four years, have been the privilege of my life.
“I have worked with some of the most incredible people, in our community and beyond from the amazing council officers, who are so dedicated to our borough and its people, to every individual resident I have worked with. I have also been lucky enough to work alongside our outstanding community groups and volunteers, who have been nothing short of inspiring.”
Cllr Morgan confirmed the Knowsley Labour group had “unanimously” voted for Cllr Margaret Harvey to take on the role of deputy leader. Cllr Morgan said the Roby councillor, who is cabinet member for children’s services, was an “experienced” choice to serve as his number two.
He said: “While Louise was relatively new as a councillor, she was experienced politically and Maggie comes with a lot of ability, knowledge and experience.”
