LABOUR swept to a landslide victory in the Bewsey and Whitecross by-election.

Former mayor of Warrington Jeff Richards won the poll yesterday with 71 per cent of the vote.

He took the seat from the Liberal Democrats after Dr Jo Crotty stepped down.

But the turn out for the vote was 17.3 per cent.

Jeff Richards said: “I am delighted to be representing my wonderful home Ward again. I would like to thank all my loyal Labour supporters and I will work my socks off to give this area the very best, which is what it deserves.”

Full results: Labour - Jeff Richards: 1,032.

Liberal Democrats - Ann Raymond: 221.

Conservatives - Lance Reah: 118.

Green Party - Lyndsay McAteer: 47.

Independent - John Mulhall: 33.