CONSERVATIVE candidates Gareth and Jane Rowlinson have claimed victory in the by election for the Westbrook ward of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council.

Cllr Val Allen, Conservative candidate for Warrington North, said the news would send 'shockwaves through Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign team' in the area.

She said: “We’ve seen lifelong labour voter after lifelong Labour voter telling us that Jeremy Corbyn simply doesn’t share their values.

"Many of them have never dreamed of voting Conservative before but they’re backing Theresa May now and rejecting Jeremy Corbyn and his candidate here.

“It sends a clear message to anyone filling out their postal vote this week or going to the ballot box on June 8 – if you vote Conservative, you get Conservative.”

Mrs Rowlinson spoke of her shock following the election result which had a voter turnout of 16 per cent.

She said: "When we agreed to stand we were told that it would be a tough fight because Labour were so strong in this area.

"It’s been either them or the Liberal Democrats for years.

“People are looking for the strong, stable leadership of Theresa May and the Conservatives and rejecting Jeremy Corbyn and his Coalition of Chaos."