LABOUR Confirm Election Candidate As Councillor Announces RetirementINVERCLYDE Labour have picked their council election candidate for Inverclyde South West.
Thirty-one-year-old community activist Paul Cassidy has been chosen by local members to represent them following the decision of sitting Labour councillor Gerry Dorrian to retire.
The ward covers the Branchton, Larkfield and Braeside areas of Greenock plus Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.
Mr Cassidy is currently chair of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council, having been a community councillor since 2013.
He said: “I’ve lived in Ward 6 most of my life with my family, so I understand the problems local people face. Standing next year is my chance to continue to give back to the Ward I have grown up in and call home.
“We all know that there are some tough times ahead as we try to rebuild from the pandemic, which has not been helped by millions being shaved off Inverclyde’s budget over the last 14 years thanks to Scottish Government policies.
“Inverclyde Council’s services will face enormous pressure in the next five years. I can promise Ward 6 residents that I won’t stand idly by and watch the SNP destroy the services we all need.
“I believe that Ward 6 needs a strong Labour voice rooted in our communities now more than “ever. It is vital for the ward to have a councillor who is approachable and one that can be trusted to do their best for all of their constituents.
“I am that person and anyone who knows me knows that I speak my mind, and will defend Ward 6 residents and protect local services at every opportunity.”
Current Ward 6 Councillor Gerry Dorrian said: “It has been a privilege to serve as a councillor for Ward 6 for the last 14 years. Now is the right time for me to pass on the Labour baton and to spend more time with my family.
“Paul will make an excellent councillor for the ward if he is elected. He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and is a committed campaigner and advocate for local public services, including our NHS services.
Labour have nine candidates standing in the elections, which take place in May:
Ward 1 — Stephen McCabe
Ward 2 — Robert Moran
Ward 3 — Colin Jackson and Michael McCormick
Ward 4 — Francesca Brennan and Jim Clocherty
Ward 5 — Martin McCluskey
Ward 6 — Paul Cassidy
Ward 7 — Natasha Murphy
