Councillor threatens legal action after being branded 'compulsive liar' by Facebook group

Last month, the Winsford Residents Association, which says it is ‘run by local people to keep the residents of Winsford informed’, singled out a number of borough council candidates.

The scathing post advised residents not to vote for certain candidates, calling one of them ‘Mr corrupt’ and anther a ‘dinosaur’.

Two candidates were branded ‘compulsive liars’, including Labour’s Stephen Burns, who was re-elected as the Winsford Town councillor for Winsford Swanlow Ward after the borough elections.

Cllr Burns said: “The people mentioned in the communication and who were called compulsive liars and corrupt will be discussing what action they can take.

“The so-called Winsford Residents Association asked for people to vote against us. We were all re-elected with increased majorities.

“I am really disappointed, I’m a decent bloke. I don’t mind if people disagree with me on things, but to be called compulsive liar is really out of order.”

Speaking on Facebook, Cllr Burns, who was also re-elected as the Cheshire West and Chester councillor for the Swanlow and Dene Ward, said he will launch legal proceedings against Simon Boone.

While no-one has yet admitted to writing the post, Mr Boone shared it on his personal Facebook profile, and is a member of the Winsford Residents Association.

Mr Boone said: “The comments made by Cllr Burns are that I, Simon Boone, called all Labour councillors compulsive liars, is factually incorrect.

“I merely re-posted a post from the Winsford Residents Association’s Facebook page that made references to individual councillors only, not all.

“This post was opinion and gave reason why 'we' the residents association, felt you shouldn’t vote for them. That was the point of the post.

“The Winsford Residents page did not call all Labour councillors compulsive liars and he should apologise for misleading the public and for his post on Facebook.”