Three-way fight in borough by-election

The ward became vacant following the death of sitting Labour councillor Fred Heyworth.

Fighting the seat for Labour will be Malcolm Donoghue; the Conservative candidate is Tony Green; and Jame Pattison is up for the Liberal Democrats. Nominations closed on Thursday.

Mr Donoghue, of Leyland, says more affordable housing and tackling anti-social behaviour are his top priorities.

A self-employed electrical contractor, he has lived in Leyland since 1981, and is a political officer for the Communication Workers Union.

He is also a member of the Racial, Equality, Diversity Council for Preston and West Lancashire.

He said: “I am feeling really positive and really ready to get stuck into this campaign. I am very excited at the potential of being a Labour councillor for Seven Stars ward.”

Mr Green, of Leyland, is husband of the Mayor of South Ribble, councillor Mary Green, and father to councillor Michael Green.

He has lived in Leyland for more than 40 years.

He said: “I started my working life as an apprentice, then worked as an engineer for 22 years at Leyland Motors and for 20 years for the Ministry of Justice. I am therefore very keen to support local businesses and to keep crime low in our community. Vote for me on May 5 and I will fight against any potential overdevelopment in our area and strive to improve our local neighbourhood.

“I will fight to ensure local residents receive value for money, quality services.”

James Pattison, 36 of Leyland, is a single parent with a nine-year-old daughter, who works part-time as a parking attendant at Runshaw College.

He said: “My work history has mainly been focused around the police and prison service. Should I get elected my priority would be to put the ward’s interests first, not those of the council or my party. I will work hard on the ward’s behalf and keep in touch with the people at every level.”