THE leader of the Conservative group in the town believes the party has a 'new lease of life' following the election results.

Cllr Paul Kennedy (CON - Hatton, Stretton and Walton) was unanimously re-elected as leader at the party's AGM in the Town Hall on Saturday.

Cllr Sheila Woodyatt, who has represented Lymm since 1983, was also announced as deputy leader following the selection process.

The party gained two council seats at Friday's election after Stephen Taylor was announced as Stockton Heath councillor and Kathryn Buckley claimed a Lymm seat.

"I am absolutely delighted that there is a bigger group - I like being part of a team," said Cllr Kennedy.

"There is a high level of motivation among the group and there is a new lease of life - the councillors want to make changes and will be working hard.

"When we had three member we decided it was too small to have a deputy but now it is appropriate.

"Sheila is a terrific councillor and here experience is just phenomenal."

Committee places were discussed at the meeting but the party will now wait to hear back from the council.

But Cllr Kennedy admits it will be a crucial year ahead before next year's all-out council elections.

However, he expects the turnout to be considerably less.

"It will be a very different scene next year - the number of votes will be greatly reduced," he added.

"This year, the turnout in some places was more than 70% but it will bring everyone back down to earth which is good."