#LOVEHALTON

You are liberal. You are democratic. You are open minded, modern, green, internationalist and pro-European. You believe in social equality. You understand the importance of the digital revolution, education and co-operation. You want to tear down the barriers to success that many people face. We agree with you. And we'd like you to join us and help us make Halton the best it can be.
We're busy bees at Halton Liberal Democrats. Here's a big about what we're up to. Why not join in and help?
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The Core Values

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.
The Environment
Education
Liberty

Who we are

Policies for Halton

Visit our policies page to see more, but in brief, here's a few highlights of our local policy for Halton.
Bridge Tolls
We believe the bridge tolls represent an unfair burden on local businesses, and local workers who live outside the borough - again, placing another burden on businesses in the area. We will continue to pressure for a more socially caring approach to the tolls.
The Incinerators
Halton hosts a number of incinerators, from waste and sludge incinerators, to crematoriums. These should all be properly managed and monitored. We continue to push for strict environmental controls, starting with the biggest first.
Balanced Development
People need homes, both private and socially provided. But we also need green spaces, places to play, and areas to stretch our legs and those of our pets. We need a diverse ecology. We will do everything we can to ensure that local development is sensitive and good for all.
A Pro-European Focus
Whatever it is you believe in most - the environment, NHS, social justice... it is framed by Brexit. The economic pain for the North West was never made clear by the government, but it's become clear that many exporters, especially those in the food industry, have been severely impacted. We call for closer co-operation with the EU.
Public Transport
Public transport provision in Halton is awkward, with the bridge splitting the borough. We call for a broad strategy, working through connections with the Liverpool City Region, and ensuring that no area of Halton should find itself cut off from a good service.

Our Team

Meet the people who are in the driving seat of Halton Liberal Democrats.
Margaret Ratcliffe
Margaret Ratcliffe

Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the council

Margaret has been a councillor in the past for many years, as well as serving the community as a magistrate. Highly regarded in the Heath area and always a popular candidate. Margaret recently took over as Leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council.

    Chris Rowe
    Chris Rowe

    Councillor and Chair of the Halton Liberal Democrats

    Chris Rowe has served as a councillor in Halton since 2004. Growing up in Weston Point, Chris has developed a deep understanding of the issues faced by the local community. Chris is the parliamentary candidate for the 2024 General Election in Runcorn and Helsby.

    Gareth Stockton
    Gareth Stockton

    Councillor

    Gareth has represented the people of the Heath Ward since 2012. His understanding of finance and business has helped in analysing council plans and budgets. If you live in the Heath Ward, he can be contacted at gareth.stockton@halton.gov.uk

    David Coveney
    David Coveney

    Membership Development Officer & General Election Candidate

    Only getting involved in politics since 2016, David is now the candidate for the 2024 General Election in Widnes and Halewood. A software developer and then businessman, David bring a broad life experience to the Lib Dem team.

    Mike Hodgkinson
    Mike Hodgkinson

    Vice Chair and Honorary President

    Stalwart of Halton Liberal Democrats, Mike is our Vice Chair and Honorary President. He is a retired civil engineer who specialised in highway design and construction health and safety. He was a Halton councillor for 26 years, which included  a year as Mayor in 2007/8.

      And we will get in touch as soon as possible. Please note that email enquiries are only checked on a weekly basis. If you wish to raise an issue with your councillor, please refer above to contact details.
      101 Heath Road South Runcorn, WA7 4QH
      Enquiries