THE Liberal Democrats have held on to their Warrington Borough Council seat at Poulton North, following yesterday’s by-election.
After a bitter campaign, during which there were acrimonious exchanges between Labour and the Liberal Democrats, 
former councillor Colin Oliver (pictured) – who lost his seat in the May elections – returned to the council with a comfortable 211 vote majority over Labour’s Ashley Pemberton.
The Conservatives came third and UKIP fourth.
Full results: Colin Oliver (Lib Dem) 1,106; Ashley Pemberton (Lab) 895; Mark Chapman (Cons): 190; James Ashington (UKIP): 97.
Election watchers were divided on how and why the Liberal Democrats managed to reverse their fortunes.
Some believed the result arose from Labour choosing a 21-year-old student to fight the seat. Others that Mr Oliver commanded a strong personal following. Yet others that the national backlash against the Liberal Democrats for joining in the Coalition Government might be on the wane.
However, the result leaves the council exactly as it was before.
The by-election was caused by the resignation of former Liberal Democrat executive board member Sharon Wilson, because of work commitments.
Lib Dems win by-election
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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.
8 Comments
Poulton North has come to its senses at last. Fantastic to see Colin back. Ashley should maybe concentrate on finishing his studies before he considers attempting to serve local residents as an elected councillor – and all the hard work and committment that entails.
Well done! A deserving result
Not good for the residents of Poulton North! CO sees himself as the saviour of the area when in reality he is, in my view, unreliable and does not answer requests for help with anything that is remotely difficult. Roll on May 2012.
Let the scrutiny begin.
Voters must have preferred him to the other candidates otherwise he wouldn’t have won 😉
What scrutiny is that Geoff, why your lad lost?
Although I don’t live in the ward, I know a few people who do and have never seen anything positive from Mr Oliver – a lot of talk, no action and no return of calls. Let’s see if he has learned his lesson, he has 10 months to prove himself before he has to do it all again! If it’s more of the same, then he will be struggling!
Congratulations Colin. You should never have lost before. A Community Councillor.