The Liberal Democrats have tonight chosen their preferred candidate to follow in the footsteps of John Pugh and stand as their Parliamentary candidate in Southport.
The post became vacant after long serving MP Dr Pugh last week announced that he was stepping down, after Prime Minister Theresa May announced a snap General Election for June 8.
The shock move caught all the main political parties in Southport by surprise, with no candidates in place to fight for votes.
Cllr Sue McGuire, who is the current leader of the Sefton Liberal Democrat group on Sefton Council, has this evening been selected by the Lib Dems to fight for Southport.
John Pugh immediately gave Cllr McGuire his backing, Tweeting: “Sue McGuire chosen as Lib Dem Candidate for Southport - great choice!”
Sue McGuire represents Cambridge Ward in Southport, which covers parts of Churchtown and Marshside, and is a governor at Marshside Primary School.
She was first elected to Sefton Council in May 2010, and was chosen as leader of the party in June 2015.
Born and bred in Banks, Sue attended Tarleton High School.
She has worked extensively within the community to support and help residents on issues including local health services, council services and tenancy problems.
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Once a spokesperson for health, Cllr Mguire along with Cllr Pat Keith have established a successful volunteer group, “Rubbish Friends”, which regularly cleans up grot spots across Southport.
The pair have also been working with a number of local businesses to develop a dementia-friendly community in Southport.
Sue McGuire is also the marketing director for Blue Fountain Systems, a company she co-founded with her husband.
Sue McGuire is also a supporter of national Lib Dem leader Tim Fallon, saying on her election as party leader two years ago: “He’s the right person for the job.
“He grew up not far from Southport and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him since 2004.”