LABOUR swept to victory in the by-election for the Bewsey and Whitecross seat on Warrington Borough Council.
There was a 30.5 per cent swing from Liberal Democrat to Labour as voters reflected the national displeasure with the Lib Dems in the coalition government.
The result was:
Jeff Richards (Labour) 1,032; Ann Raymond (Lib-Dem) 221; Lance Reah (Cons) 118; Lyndsay McAteer (Green Party) 47; John Mulhall (Ind) 33.
The turn-out was low – about 18 per cent – although higher than some expected in view of the atrocious weather conditions.
A number of people are believed to have slipped on icy footpaths while going to vote.
Labour had lodged a complaint about untreated footpaths in the area.
The result reduces the majority of the Lib-Dem/Conservative coalition on the borough council to just one.
Jeff Richards (pictured) is a former Mayor of Warrington and has previously served as a councillor for the Bewsey and Whitecross ward for 14 years.
The by-election was caused by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor, and defeated Warrington South Parliamentary candidate Jo Crotty.
She stepped down because of work commitments after losing out in the General Election in May.
Coalition leaders now have the difficult task of rebuilding confidence before next May’s council elections.
Based on last night’s result, Labour would regain control of the council, bearing in mind the Lib Dem’s slender majorities in several wards.
In the by-election for a vacancy on Stockton Heath Parish Council, an independent councillor has been elected after a three-cornered fight with Labour and the Green Party.
The result was: Angie Winnington (Ind) 80; Laurence Murphy (Labour) 60; Mike Smith (Green Party) 10.
When nominations closed for this contest, the Conservative and Lib Dem parties both announced that they were supporting the independent candidate because the vacancy had arisen from the resignation of an independent.
Labour sweep to election victory
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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Direct action and violence never works – however voting and the ballot box does and well done to the people in this ward for sending a strong message and supporting our children and young people who deserve better from our generation and politicians. Whilst this was a local election it also serves to tell all politicians if you make pledges and promises then you keep to them. Dishonesty and hiding behind coalition compromise is not acceptable or credible and a 31% swing is very important – it is just a pity that the actions of the violent people in London will mean this story stays well buried.
“There was a 30.5 per cent swing from Liberal Democrat to Labour as voters reflected the national displeasure with the Lib Dems in the coalition government.”
There may well be an element reflecting ‘national pleasure’ but most obviously this result is a massive vote of no confidence in the Lib/Con alliance in this town. Another ‘WELL DONE!’ to the people in this ward for getting the message across so forcefully.