Ryan Bate to step down from Council

Grappenhall Councillor Ryan Bate will be stepping down this summer to take up a new job in the USA.

The Liberal Democrat, who has represented Grappenhall & Appleton Thorn on Warrington Borough Council since 2016, will be joining the British International School of Washington (DC).

Ryan says: Representing the people of Grappenhall & Appleton Thorn has been a true privilege which I will dearly miss. I grew up in Grappenhall and have lifelong memories of visiting Appleton Thorn, so having the chance to champion both villages has been brilliant. Over the Christmas period, a former colleague of mine suggested I apply for the role in the USA. I love American history and politics, so the chance to develop my teaching career in the political capital of the world was too good an opportunity to miss.

One of the hardest elements of my decision to relocate, was knowing that I'd have to resign as a councillor. I've sat in the Town Hall for six years and spent the last decade on Grappenhall & Thelwall Parish Council. I've relished the chance to work on some important challenges, such as protecting our Green Belt and getting the right Local Plan for Warrington. It is with much sadness that I'll be leaving without seeing some of those challenges through.

I've also been able to work with some fantastic people and organisations, and I've enjoyed many brilliant events such as the Grappenhall Walking Day, Bawming the Thorn and the always-moving Remembrance Sunday services. It is the amazing volunteers and community groups who make Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn such wonderful places to live and a pleasure to represent.

There will be a by-election to choose my replacement and I know that the Liberal Democrats will choose a brilliant candidate who I sincerely hope will be successful. Just as I followed fantastic predecessors like Ted Lafferty and Barbara Mawer, I want to pass the baton on to another Liberal Democrat who will serve Grappenhall & Appleton Thorn with distinction.