Liberal Democrats win seats at the double (From Warrington Guardian)

Liberal Democrats win seats at the double

THE Liberal Democrats are celebrating an 'overwhelming' victory in the Vale Royal Borough Council by-elections for the Swanlow and Verdin wards.

The Verdin ward will now be represented by Clr Peter Gannon with the Swanlow ward represented by fellow Liberal Democrat Brandon Parkey.

Both men are now looking forward to representing their chosen wards and hope to tackle issues important to the people living in them.

Clr Gannon said: "I'm a bit overwhelmed really. Not so much by just winning but the amount of people who came out in atrocious weather to vote for me.

"I believe it is the people of the Verdin ward who are the winners in this election, not myself.

"I can only thank them and hope I live up to their expectations."

Clr Parkey said: "I put a lot of effort into this and the voters responded accordingly.

"I would like to thank the people of Winsford for turning out to vote no matter who they voted for.

"I will do my very best for the people of Winsford and look forward to my time as a councillor.

"I wasn't as confident of winning as those who were around me but I think that is only natural and I am delighted they had faith in me to do this."

Clr Gannon received 336 votes, Labour Party candidate Derek Wright 188 and the Conservative William Hall 72.

Clr Parkey received 326 votes, Conservative Anthony Dahill 183 and Labour's Stephen Smith 157.

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk