Things went well in Pendle, with a net gain of 2 seats on the Borough Council. We claimed the scalp of the council leader, Alan Davies with substantial majorities for both Mike Calvert and George Askew in Boulsworth. Boulsworth is now very firmly under Conservative control with all three seats held by ourselves. Smith Benson took Horsfield in a surprise victory over Lib Dem Dorothy Lord. In addition, we retained Barrowford, Earby and Reedley with increased majorities. Pendle is now NOC.

We also had sucesss in the Town Council elections in both Colne and Nelson, Smith Benson, Mike Calvert, John Hall and Violet Vaughan all taking seats in Colne, Tim Eyre and myself in Nelson. We had a good few wards where we are now less than 100 votes from taking office, these being Coates (28 votes), Southfield (60 votes) and Vivary Bridge (97 votes), needless to say, everyone is fired up and ready to do the necessary work to take these next time round.

The votes cast look like this: Conservative 9,905 (39%), Lib Dem 7,336 (29%) and Labour 6,114 (24%) so the national opinion polls weren’t too far out as far as we’re concerned here. For comparison, the 2004 figures are C 23%, LD 41% and Lab 23%. I’m sure you’ll agree things are looking significantly better than they were four years ago.

Please congratulate Nicky with regard to the win in Walkden South. On a note of principle, whilst we didn’t take Roger Jones out, I’m deliriously happy he’s gone to the dole queue.

Paul

In Tamesdide as a whole we polled 2,198 less votes than Labour - just 4% less (it was 20% less last year and a whopping 32% 9 years ago). If you split the votes into the three constituencies, then in Ashton-under-Lyne the Conservatives were only 1,987 votes behind Labour (two gains in the two Failsworth seats of Oldham council, which are part of the constituency). In Denton and Reddish we were 2,682 votes adrift. However, in Stalybridge and Hyde we polled 1,464 MORE than Labour. Watch out James Purnell - you may have to start looking for other employment!!!

This is a real kick in the teeth to this government and to the way Labour take their vote for granted around Greater Manchester. The Tories are making their way back - even in the inner cities. They are great results in Manchester, even if there were no gains. As we get stronger in a few years we can start winning again.

Whallay Range - up 17%
Moston - up 9.8%
Cheetham - up 8.8%
Ancoats and Clayton - up 8.2%
Harpurhey - up 7.9%

In Manchester as a whole, 3024 extra voters chose Conservative this time compared to last year An additional 3.2%. Both Labour and Lib Dems went down, as people choose a real change.

Please pass my congratulations on to Nicky re the win in
Walkden South.

I look forward to meeting all of you over the next year
at FOWS meetings.

During my walks throughout the ward over the last few weeks
I have spotted many things that I will bring to your attention
which will keep you all busy in the council chamber over
the coming months.

Speak soon

andrew