3:21pm Friday 4th May 2012
CONSERVATIVE leader Keith Bland says the campaign of Labour rival Chris Vobe was 'character assassination'.
Mr Bland suffered a heavy defeat in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft in Thursday's vote and with another loss for Paul Campbell in Penketh - just four Tories remain on Warrington Borough Council.
Mr Bland said: "I was still hopeful.
"Part of the defeat could well have been nationally influenced but the campaign that was put against me by the labour candidate was character assassination.
"It's part of politics.
"My big disappointment is that I have lost by so many votes. People have abandoned me I feel. It's a kick in the teeth."
His rival Clr Chris vove was delighted however.
He said: “These results are a clear message from people in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft who have given their overwhelming support to Labour’s hard-working team of community activists.
“On behalf of myself and my parish councillors, my sincere and heartfelt thanks go to everyone who used their votes for Labour at this election.
"The fact that we had the highest turnout of any ward in the town shows how seriously people here took this election, and how passionate and determined they were to deliver change in our community.
“What I am most looking forward to now is getting down to work and delivering that change. My team and I know that the best way to show our thanks to everyone who supported us is not to dither, but to start working and delivering on local people’s priorities. That’s what we’re determined to do."
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk
http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/trade_directory/