Abby Smith Launches Campaign to Strengthen Equality Party Presence in Congleton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20^th APRIL 2026

The Equality Party today announced that a member of its national leadership team, Dr Abby Smith, will be its candidate for the Congleton Town Council by-election  21^st May.

Abby Smith has lived in Congleton for 15 years and works for Manchester University as an Environmental Analytical Scientist, working on projects that bring significant insights into the environment and its role in human health.

Dr Smith has been a campaigner for more than 10 years for the Equality Party and other organisations championing equality and inclusion. She has canvassed in Congleton to help Councillors Kay Wesley and Susan Mead get elected to the Town Council. 

Dr Smith is currently Co-Chair of Congleton Pride and at the University she has led and been a member of several staff equality groups. She is also Congleton Pride’s representative on the Cheshire Pride Network and sits on the Oversight Committee of Congleton Partnership.

She said:

“With a narrative of hate and division in national politics, the mission of the Equality Party is more important than ever.

“In Congleton we have already seen that councillors who will set party divisions aside and work together to dismantle barriers to equality for the benefit of all residents can make a huge difference to the town and its people, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to join them.

“I believe that you need to be the change you want to see in the world. I’m determined to help Congleton continue to develop into a place where no-one is left behind and everyone can thrive.”

Party Leader, Kay Wesley, who is already a Town Councillor in Congleton, said:

“Abby is a brilliant council candidate, having already worked behind the scenes for years to drive equality and inclusion in the local area and nationally.

“We have shown in our town what just one or two Equality Party councillors can achieve, with effective action against domestic abuse and sexual violence, the declaration of a climate emergency, accessibility for disabled people, championing youth and the elderly, the Community Safety Charter, improvements to deprived areas, support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and much more.

“We worked across party to deliver these things, but I know some politicians are determined to undermine this work and create division in our community. It is vital we do not allow this to happen, and a third Equality Party councillor will ensure it does not.

“Many residents of North Ward have asked us for the opportunity to vote for the Equality Party in the past, and now they have it. 

“Our party does not have billionaire backers or the partisan national press promoting us, but we have some excellent local councillors and have already made a difference for our community. I have no doubt that Abby Smith will be a fantastic addition to Congleton Town Council”.