The Alliance Party has selected Cllr Billy Webb and former Councillor Pat McCudden to stand in Newtownabbey at the upcoming local government elections. Billy will be standing in the Macedon ward, a seat he has held since 1997 and Pat will be standing in the Antrim Line ward. Alliance has already announced that Cllr Lynn Frazer, Cllr Tom Campbell and John Blair are also standing in the Newtownabbey Council elections.
Cllr Billy Webb said: “Alliance is the only party that is offering real solutions to Northern Ireland’s problems. While others may continue to peddle their tribal politics at the neglect of the public, Alliance has a hard working team of politicians at all levels and has delivered for the benefit of all. I would like to continue to represent constituents across the entire Macedon area. I seek to make Newtownabbey a better and safer place to live in and work in.
“Alliance is the only party that truly has a shared future at the top of our list of priorities. We want to see Northern Ireland fully achieve its potential but this will not happen until the cost of division is tackled.”
Pat McCudden said: “I have seen a major change in the past year with more and more people coming out and supporting the Alliance Party, particularly from areas that we did not get much support from previously. They are realising that we have been making decisions and suggesting proposals that are aimed at moving Northern Ireland towards a more prosperous and shared future. We have repeatedly called for the cost of division to be tackled and finally our message is being adopted with moves to increase shared education.
“There have been some highly charged arguments in Newtownabbey council in recent years, and if elected, I hope to work on the Council to ensuring decisions are made, services delivered and to stop others from cheap political point-scoring.”
ENDS
Biography of Billy Webb
-Billy Webb was born and raised in West Belfast. His family had a longstanding affiliation with the Belfast area through their butchery business ‘Meat at Webb’s’ for 3 generations
-He moved to Newtownabbey when he married his wife Pat. They have 4 sons and 8 grandchildren
-He has been a Councillor since 1997 representing the Macedon Electoral Area.
-A former Civil Servant Billy took early retirement in 2007 which gave him more time to devote to his many interests including Trustee of the NI Hospice, Chair of Newtownabbey CAB, Chair of The White House Trust, voluntary Director of Mallusk Enterprise Park and board member of Ulster Garden Villages. He also serves on the committees of Mill Green Centre, Rathcoole Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and Rathcoole Community Partnership
-Governor and Vice-Chair of Newtownabbey Community High School, Newtownabbey Community Safety Partnership
-Member of Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership
-Chair of Newtownabbey CAB to September 2010
Biography of Pat McCudden
– Member of Newtownabbey Council 1977-81, 1997-01
– Deputy Mayor 1981
– Member of the Governing Body, East Antrim Institute
– Member of Governing Body, Northern Regional College 2006- present
– Retired Company director in construction industry
– Business Representative on Newtownabbey Local Strategic Partnership 2001-06
– Member of Ballyclare Rugby Club, President 1991-92 and 2007 – 10