THE 'appalling' state of politics has prompted a town councillor to enter the race for Westminster.

Winsford Town Council's Stella Mellor has thrown her hat into the ring to be the MP for the new Mid Cheshire constituency.

She will stand as part of the Independent Network, having previously represented the Labour Party and Winsford Salt of the Earth.

“I have debated on whether I should run for MP for a very long time," said Stella.

"One moment I would be convinced to run and then another I'd be doubting myself, but when I truly look at the state of the current political climate our country is going through, I feel nothing but appalled.

“So many people are looked over and disregarded without a second thought, school funding, health care, community projects and those that both run and need them are not given any consideration on how this will affect their needs.

“I believe I can give a helping hand in changing this. I believe everyone has a right to access help within their community and should be able to do so without fear of being turned away or ridiculed.”

Cllr Mellor was a lifelong Labour supporter, but quit the party in 2020.

Ahead of the 2023 local elections, she joined the new Winsford Salt of the Earth group.

However, just months later she and Lorraine Murphy left the group amid allegations around Winsford’s inaugural Pride event, for which they were lead organisers.

READ MORE: Town councillors quit group amid Pride allegations

She says it was the success of the Pride event which inspired her to run for the parliamentary seat.

If elected she will look to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as other underrepresented groups such as disabled people, children with learning difficulties, those with mental health struggles, and domestic abuse victims.

Cllr Mellor says she will also look to make the most out of the towns that make up the new Mid Cheshire constituency - Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich. 

She added: “I have lived in Winsford my whole life, I was born here in fact. My heart is spread throughout these towns and I know I can give the people a voice like they have never heard before, I will and will always fight for what is right.

“I want to help our towns prosper and grow into the flourishing towns I know they can be; I want to help in providing places for our young people to go and have their independence and have a great time whilst doing so; and I want to help lower the crime rate in our areas and keep our streets safe for all.

“I know our towns can be so much more than they are now, all they need is someone to push them in the right direction and fight for what we need every step of the way, and I truly believe I can be the person to do that.

“Equality, safety, education and health care should not be a one-way street, it should be accessible for all.”