Working class hero and Catholic parishioner Steve becomes Mayor of Warrington for second time

Steve was elected to Warrington Borough Council in May 2006 to represent Latchford East and in 2016 to represent Bewsey and Whitecross, and has sat on a number of committees during his time as a councillor.

This is Steve’s second term as Mayor of Warrington, having been Mayor previously in 2012-13. As part of a transitional period, Cllr Jean Flaherty, who is currently Mayor of Warrington, will remain in position until 1 July, when Cllr Wright will take over the Mayoral role.

Steve was born in Whitecross and attended school in Warrington, his first school being Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. He started his working life as an apprentice plasterer before going on to be a process worker and community worker.

Steve and his wife Julie were married at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latchford where they live and have five children – Michelle, Dawn, Stephen, Paul and Thomas. They have fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild too.

Steve’s passion is community activism and helping people. He is keen on working with local people towards shared goals and is especially proud of helping to drive forward plans for Bewsey and Dallam Community Hub and helping to form the Friends of Whitecross community group.

During his Mayoral year, Steve will continue supporting many volunteering groups, including groups where he is an active member, as well as the Corporate Parenting Forum.

Steve is a dedicated volunteer and his roles have included being a volunteer tutor at Warrington Collegiate and he is a parishioner of Blessed John Henry Newman Parish.

He has held a number of positions in both community groups. He currently works as the Coffee Bar Coordinator and Pastoral Support Worker at Holy Trinity Church Warrington, and is a member of the public sector trade union, Unison.

Steve has also served as a governor at local schools and is a Trustee of The Boteler Trust in Warrington.

Outside of his work with community groups and the council, Steve enjoys spending his free time with his family and walking and cycling.

Mayor’s charities
The charities Steve will be supporting as Mayor of Warrington are:

• St Rocco’s Hospice
• Warrington Disability Partnership
• Veterans Hub
• BLESMA – military charity for limbless veterans

The new Deputy Mayor of Warrington is Cllr Carol Benson, who currently serves as borough councillor in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.

The new Mayor of Warrington said: “It is a privilege to once again take on the role of Mayor in a town and community that I am so passionate about.

“Alongside representing Warrington, I’m delighted to be supporting four fantastic charities throughout the year as well, who make a real impact and provide a fantastic level of support to local people.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to our outgoing Mayor, Cllr Jean Flaherty, for the fantastic job she has done as First Citizen of Warrington.”

Cllr Wright will be supported by Cllr Carol Benson, who currently serves as borough councillor in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.

During his Mayoral year, Steve will continue to participate in the Corporate Parenting Forum, as well as supporting many volunteering groups where he is an active member.

For more information about the Mayor of Warrington, or to invite the Mayor to an event, visit warrington.gov.uk/mayor.

Story by William Kelly, The Catholic Nework

With thanks to https://www.warrington.gov.uk/