Town in limbo as council remains hung
Labour still largest party as Lib Dems gain one seat and Tories lose one
LABOUR remains the largest party on Stockport council following an election that saw little movement overall.
The town hall remains in no overall control after Thursday’s local elections, with the Lib Dems making a net gain of one and the Tories one net loss.
Both Labour and the Lib Dems won eight seats, the Tories three and the Independent Ratepayers one.
Labour leader Alex Ganotis said it was a ‘fantastic’ night, adding he was delighted his party remained Stockport’s largest political group.
“We had two fantastic results in Manor and especially Cheadle Hulme North,” he said. “We are moving into areas in Stockport where we haven’t previously won in making this an amazing night for Labour.”
LABOUR remains the largest party on Stockport council following an election that saw little movement overall.
The town hall remains in no overall control, with the Liberal Democrats making a net gain of one and the Tories one net loss.
Both Labour and the Lib Dems won eight seats, the Tories three and the Independent Ratepayers one.
Labour leader Alex Ganotis said it was a ‘fantastic’ night, adding he was delighted his party remained Stockport’s largest political group.
“We had two fantastic results in Manor and especially Cheadle Hulme North,” he added.
“We are moving into areas in Stockport where we haven’t previously won in making this an amazing night for Labour.”
Two votes separated the Cheadle Hulme North Lib Dem candidate Claire Halliwell, who lost out to Labour’s David Meller on 1,577 votes.
Labour’s Amanda Peers snatched Manor ward from Lib Dem candidate James Feetham, polling 1,630 to his 769.
Coun Ganotis added: “When the results are analysed across the borough they will reveal that Labour flourished.
“However, we take nothing for granted, tonight’s fantastic results across the borough are due to the hard work and dedication of our members.”
Bramhall South and Woodford remained Tory with John McGahan sitting comfortably with more than 750 votes.
Bramhall North was also a Conservative hold after Lisa Walker received 2,269 votes - 1,000 more than Lib Dem Richard Flowers.
Stepping Hill was a seat Labour had hoped to overturn but Conservative candidate John Wright kept hold of it by just 100 votes.
The Lib Dems have taken back the Cheadle Hulme South seat comfortably from Labour, with Helen Foster-Grime polling more than 2,200 votes.
However, Bredbury Green and Romiley went from Independent to the Lib Dems by a majority of almost 1,000 votes.
Brinnington and Central was the only ward not to have a Green Party candidate, however, collectively they were supported by almost 3,000 electorates.
There were five UKIP candidates who received 444 votes.
The election for Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward will take place on May 24, when Labour’s Philip Harding will defend his seat against Lib Dem, Tory, and Green party candidates.
‘Tonight’s fantastic results across the borough are due to the hard work and dedication of our members’