LABOUR was victorious at last night’s Winwick Parish Council by election when Mike Matthews surged to victory,

Houghton Green resident Clr Matthews claimed a comfortable victory over UKIP’s Andrew Fairfoull with 118 to 66, respectively.

But less than 10 per cent of residents bothered to vote.

Clr Matthews, who will take up his seat on the Houghton ward immediately,  has since vowed to make the parish council more open and transparent.

He said: “I am delighted to take my seat on Winwick Parish Council. I live in Houghton Green and know that many residents are concerned that the decisions taken by the Independent members of the parish council are not in the best interests of local people.

“It says all residents need to know that this is the second time Winwick has had to foot the bill for a by-election because Independent councillors failed to even show up to meetings.

“We deserve better, and I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective and a new broom to the parish council table.”

Speaking on behalf of Warrington North Labour Party, Clr Steve Roberts (Poplars and Hulme -LAB) said: “I am delighted to welcome Mike to our hard-working team in Poplars and Hulme.

“Labour has delivered for people here, by protecting Peel Hall, improving our environment, and striving to deliver the best possible council services.

“I know Mike will represent people extremely well on the parish council and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Turnout for the by election was a low with only around nine percent of residents voting