Linda Mussell: Labour can be defeated in St Helens. But the Conservatives can’t achieve this on our own.

Cllr Linda Mussell is the Leader of the Conservative Group on St Helens Council.

As a Conservative Councillor in opposition on a Labour-controlled council, my role is both a duty and an opportunity. While we may not hold the majority, our responsibility to residents remains undiminished. In fact, in the face of a dysfunctional and often chaotic Labour administration, the work we do in opposition becomes even more critical.

The current Labour-led administration has demonstrated time and again a lack of coherence, transparency, and effective leadership. Residents are rightfully frustrated by a council that appears more focused on internal politics than public service. Decisions are too often rushed through without proper scrutiny, consultations feel performative, and basic services are falling behind.

As a Conservative in opposition, I have made it my mission to shine a light on this dysfunction. Whether it’s financial mismanagement, planning failures, or crumbling public services, I use every opportunity in the chamber, in committees, and in public forums to hold this administration to account. This is not about scoring political points—it’s about demanding better for our communities.

My Conservative values offer a clear and credible alternative to the confusion and complacency of the current council. I believe in responsible budgeting, empowering local communities, encouraging enterprise, and delivering the basics properly clean streets, safe neighbourhoods, decent housing, and efficient services.

Under Labour’s control, too many local priorities have been neglected. Meanwhile, residents are paying more in council tax but receiving less in return. That’s not just unfair—it’s unsustainable.

We Conservatives are working every day to present a better way forward: one rooted in common sense, accountability, and value for money

Being in opposition within a dysfunctional system is not without its challenges. Labour dominates key committees, often limiting debate and rushing decisions through without proper transparency. They sideline constructive suggestions and focus more on their internal divisions than on the needs of residents.

But we persist. As Conservative councillors, we prepare rigorously, scrutinise thoroughly, and work cross-party where possible to ensure residents’ voices are not drowned out by political noise.

Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic. I know our community deserves better—and we’re ready to deliver it. Our future vision is not about simply opposing Labour’s failures, but offering a credible, practical, and principled alternative.

We are already working on plans to:

• Bring financial stability and transparency back to council operations.
• Focus on core local services and the needs of everyday residents.
• Deliver proper planning and infrastructure that respects communities, not just developers.
• Support local businesses and voluntary groups, recognising their role in creating vibrant, self-reliant communities.

Most importantly, we are listening—because real change starts with understanding what residents want and need, not imposing top-down ideology.

Until we earn the opportunity to lead the council, we will continue to serve as a constructive, determined opposition. We will hold the Labour administration to account, highlight their failures, and stand up for the thousands of residents who feel ignored, overtaxed, and let down.

Our borough deserves better than dysfunction—it deserves direction, competence, and care. That’s what I and my Conservative colleagues are working to provide every day.

Only once in the last 50 years has this Council not be Labour controlled and then was No-Overall control with coalition between the Lib-Dems and Conservatives, however, the last two by-elections Reform UK have won both seats

In this Borough, traditional mining town, where there is still a palpable hatred of Margaret Thatcher Conservatives are never to gain control but does this provide an opportunity to remove Labour and it is all out elections so four years is a long time in politics. Is this an opportunity to be strategic in our ward candidate selections?

Is a wider discussion nationally needed with CCHQ and policy development team. Do we at times need to accept reality and work with others who we may not always agree with for the greater good?