Tories put in strong show in West Lancashire

May 2 2008

THE ruling Conservatives were in a strong position to increase their majority on West Lancashire District Council and claimed all the early results that came in.

Conservative Martin Forshaw automatically held his Hesketh with Becconsall seat as no one opposed him. The Conservatives also took the first gain of the night by winning the Burscough West seat with Jason Grice unseating Labour Councillor Cynthia Dereli.

Conservative Council leader Geoff Roberts said: “These results are a sure sign that West Lancashire is turning to the Conservatives.

“In the next general election I feel the Conservative candidate Adrian Owens is almost certain to win the seat from Labour’s Rosie Cooper.”

Councillor Adrian Owens who held his West Derby seat with an increased majority was more cautious than his party leader, merely saying early indications were good.

Labour West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “I hoped Labour would do well tonight in West Lancashire. The candidates who win will be pleased and for those who have lost, well elections are like buses and another one will be along very soon.

“I don’t think the results tonight will have any bearing on the general election, the council elections in 2004 were meant to be a bad night for Labour but we won the general election in 2005 handsomely and I won the West Lancashire seat.”

Terry Rice, Labour Group leader, said: “The national Party has not done us any favours. People on the doorstep have been talking about national issues such as the cutting of the 10p income tax ban.”