Stockport Labour in 'chaos' after dropping election candidate in key area

Labour's campaign to win back Stockport council faced a blow today as the party was accused of being in "chaos" over an eleventh-hour change to its local election candidate in Edgeley.

Rory Leonard had been campaigning in the ward for months but was replaced by Callum Walmsley before nominations closed last week.

The Edgeley Community Association (ECA) controls all three council seats in the area, and called on Labour to explain the last-minute switch.

READ MORE: Greater Manchester Tory MP quits committee role amid sexting scam

A Labour spokesperson said the threshold for local election candidates has been "set at a higher standard", adding: "Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party has changed fundamentally."

Edgeley is a crucial ward for Stockport Labour as the party needs to win more seats on the council to catch up with the Lib Dems, who are five councillors ahead and could gain a majority in May.

ECA councillor Asa Caton is up for re-election, and he posted on Facebook accusing Labour of "yet more chaos" with less than a month to go before polls open.

An ECA spokesperson said: "We are aware that the Labour Party candidate for Edgeley has changed at the eleventh hour. It is for Stockport Labour to explain what has happened.

"The ECA and Asa Caton as our candidate are focussed on continuing to represent and making the case for re-election to the residents and businesses of Edgeley ward with polling day a few short weeks away."

Labour's new Edgeley candidate Callum Walmsley said: “Obviously it’s never ideal to change candidates before an election, but you can only face what’s in front of you.

"I hope to have the opportunity to talk through my plans with as many new people as possible over the coming weeks as your Labour candidate.

"Labour is the best choice for anyone who wants an ambitious, forward-thinking plan for Edgeley.

"The ECA will struggle to influence the future direction of Edgeley on the big issues and, while they do a good job reacting to local issues as they arise, I will push for an Edgeley fit for the future it deserves.”

Stockport Labour leader David Meller added: "As an Edgeley resident born-and-bred and living in the Cheadle Heath part of the ward, I know Callum has the determination to deliver for the whole community. I look forward to working with him.

"It is vital we have decent Labour representation that residents feel they can value, trust and hit the standards that have now been set."

Local elections are taking place in Stockport on May 2, with 21 council seats up for grabs in what is one of Greater Manchester's most closely contested votes.

Rory Leonard was contacted for comment.