VOTE 2008: Tory leader 'over the moon'

7:05am Friday 2nd May 2008

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Conservative leader Keith Bland said last night's election results had left him 'over the moon'.

The Tories gained two seats - one from Labour in Penketh and one from the Lib Dems in Hatton, Stretton and Walton - to prevent the Lib Dems taking overall control of the council.

"Two seats is more than I expected quite frankly

Clr Keith Bland

Clr Bland, who successfully defended his seat in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, said: "We're highly delighted to win two extra seats.

"We're now the middle group which means we've got a bit more power again in the shared administration.

"It is our people really that have saved this council and awful lot of money.

"Two seats is more than I expected quite frankly. I was hoping for one in Penketh but to gain another - I'm as pleased as punch."

Asked where his parties' shock success left its alliance with the ruling Lib Dems, Clr Bland said: "We need to look and see how it's going to work with them.

"I hope we can do because the shared administration has worked.

"We've put political differences to one side and worked for the good of the people of Warrington."

The wins takes the number of Conservatives on the council to seven and gives the Tories four councillors in Warrington South - a seat seen as key for the party in any forthcoming general election.

David Mowat, the prospective candidate for the party in the next general election, has been campaigning hard in the ward but did not stand in the local elections.

Liberal Democrat hopeful Jo Crotty did stand - winning Bewsey and Whitecross from Labour.