Ben Fletcher for Cheshire & Warrington

01/06/2026

I recently had the opportunity to attend an event at the Warrington Youth Zone organised by the Youth Justice Service.

‘Life Thru Our Lens’ is a film made by young people that shared their perspectives on the places in Cheshire and Warrington they call home.

The passion they had for their communities to be stronger was striking. They want their town centres to be more vibrant, greener, and to have spaces that work for them. They’re right.

Over the coming weeks and months I’m looking forward to engaging with young people about how we can shape a region that meets their needs.

27/05/2026

Family businesses are crucial in our region: providing investment, jobs, and support for local communities.

I was delighted to visit Forresters Chicken in Kingsley recently. Now in its second generation of ownership the company employs nearly 500 people handling nearly 400 tonnes of chicken a week.

As with many such visits, they need a Mayor who will make it easier to get investment through planning, help improve infrastructure, and invest in skills for young people.

As Mayor, I’ll do all I can to have the back of businesses, and create the conditions for them to thrive.

20/05/2026

📣 *COUNCIL TAX PROMISE*

The new Mayor has the power to raise your Council Tax on top of the local councils

My promise to you: I will not use this power. I will not raise your taxes.

Not. One. Penny.

Government needs to live within its means. Make it easier for business to invest. Focus resource on things that make a genuine difference.

In my business career I have always been able to ensure organisations are both more efficient AND deliver better services.

If you support this promise, let me know by signing my tax pledge: https://tally.so/r/zxGG2a

16/05/2026

It’s and a chance to celebrate the wonderful pubs across Cheshire.

Pubs are at the heart of communities across the county. They’re under huge pressure and so, if possible, pop down the pub this weekend.

15/05/2026

For more than 10 years I have been involved in improving early years literacy. It’s one of my passions.

I was delighted recently to be part of the National Literacy Trust’s annual celebration of the businesses who work with the Trust to improve literacy across the country, alongside the wonderful Adele Parks

Businesses are vital partners for any charity. Their know-how, reach, volunteering support, and access to networks makes a massive difference. Thanks to the many businesses who step up to be part of their communities 👏

13/05/2026

🍸Today is World Cocktail Day!

I know there has been some debate recently about whether politics and alcohol should mix. I am firmly pro-enjoyment!

Here’s a summer favourite: a delicious Porto Tonico. Enjoy!

12/05/2026

This weekend Westminster Park in Chester celebrated its 80th birthday.

I am fortunate to live within walking distance of the wonderful park and know how appreciated it is by residents.

Meeting many of the local community groups with Cllr Razia Daniels - Handbridge Park Ward was a reminder of how much time people give freely to make their communities a better place for everyone.

I know this is happening right across Cheshire and Warrington. Thank you to all volunteers 🙏

Westminster Park Residents Association
Curzon Park Residents Association

09/05/2026

Yesterday I was pleased to join a community meeting in Byley about Peak Cluster, organised and chaired by Esther McVey and supported by Action Against CCS The local councillor, Mark Stocks, was also there.

This was a very constructive meeting where residents wanted to get answers about Peak Cluster. What struck me was that many of them had started with an open mind, but have reached the same conclusion I have: this is a bad idea.

In particular the absence of any viable financial model, the huge level of subsidy which will raise prices, and the damage to farming and the agricultural landscape is of real concern.

I’m attaching my original statement for information

Thanks to Esther for bringing us together.

08/05/2026

I am so sorry to hear that Covino in Chester is closing. I know as a local resident what a fantastic place it is

Hospitality is under intense pressure. This is a real issue in Cheshire where 10% of all jobs are in the hospitality sector.

We have promised to remove business rages for high street businesses, including hospitality. We’ll act to reduce energy prices.

As mayor I will promote hospitality and the visitor economy, and remove the bureaucracy that holds business back

Help can’t come fast enough for an industry that’s at the heart of our region.

This one really stings…

It is with a very heavy heart I announce the immediate closure of Covino, a business I’ve built from the ground up since 2016. We’d have celebrated our 10th anniversary this December, but it simply wasn’t to be.

For the avoidance of doubt, Covino’s ‘cause of death’ can be attributed to the last two Labour budgets. In trying to do the right thing they’ve gone after completely the wrong people, something I’ll never forget or forgive them for.

On a more positive note, I’ve made some exceptional relationships over the last decade with guests, staff and suppliers who I now consider great friends. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. Your custom really did go towards things like my children’s football boots, something big business can’t tell you, so keep supporting your local independents!

I’m going to spend some time licking my wounds, filing for bankruptcy, and most importantly, catching up on lost time with my family - who have come second to the restaurants far too often over the last 10 years.

I’ll see you all again soon once I’ve figured out what’s next. Best of luck to everyone who’s battling their way through these testing times.

Pie for now, Christopher

07/05/2026

Out with Aphra Brandreth as part of Team Trafford today supporting Nathan Evans