Following their elections as MPs for Cheadle & Hazel Grove constituencies respectively, Tom Morrison & Lisa Smart have made the decision to step down as councillors from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council with immediate effect. This will result in by-elections in both Cheadle West & Gatley ward and Bredbury Green & Romiley ward in October.
Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, said: “Following my election as MP for Cheadle, I have been hard at work, getting my office set up, hiring my staff, and representing my constituents in Westminster. From fighting cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance to championing the issues that matter to residents, I am working hard to be the best MP that I can be for my constituents.”
“As well as the honour of becoming Cheadle’s MP, this year has brought me other great news; my partner Louise and I are expecting our first baby in the New Year. I feel so lucky that I will be able to raise our family in the wonderful place that is Cheadle.”
“While my passion for public service knows no bounds, unfortunately I cannot say the same about my time. To make sure I am best serving Cheadle as its MP, I have made the decision to step down as local councillor for Cheadle West & Gatley. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents for their support over the last six years.”
Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be a councillor for Bredbury Green and Romiley for over eight years, and I look forward to being able to carry on my work for the people here as their MP.
“I am proud of the work that I have been able to do with my fantastic ward colleagues Mark and Angie, and the campaigns we’ve run with this wonderful community. Our community is at its strongest when it comes together such as when we called for and then secured repairs to the Forum Theatre and I will champion the need for further funding as the MP. I look forward to continuing to work closely with local councillors for the benefit of people here whether it’s protecting our green spaces and rivers, fighting to get our hospital the repairs it needs or to ensure fair funding for our schools.”
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Lib Dems at Stockport Town Hall, added: “Whilst we were all delighted when Tom and Lisa were elected to parliament in July, we knew that this inevitably meant their time as councillors and as members of this Group would be coming to an end. I want to thank them both for the energy and wisdom they have brought to the Group and which I know they will continue to bring as our local MPs. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves for the resultant by-elections and getting two new Liberal Democrats elected as new colleagues.”
