Tories ‘strong’ in W Lancs

May 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

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 For-shaw held his Hesketh with Becconsall seat as no one opposed him. The Conser-vatives also took the first gain by winning the Burs-cough West seat with Jason Grice unseating Labour Councillor Cynthia Dereli.

Conservative Council leader Geoff Roberts said: “These results are a sure sign West Lancashire is turning to the Conserva-tives. In the next general election I feel the Conserva-tive 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, merely saying early indications were good.

Labour West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “I hoped Labour would do well. I don’t think the results will have a bearing on the general election,

Terry Rice, Labour Group leader, said: “The national Party has not done us any favours.”

Labour did see holds in Skelmersdale South and Digmoor.