Health scare will not stop Hudson

Photo: Darren Robinson

John Hudson back on Oldham Council and congratulated by Tory colleagues

POPULAR Tory Councillor John Hudson survived a health scare as well as clinging on to his seat.

He retained Saddleworth South by just 11 votes from Lib-Dem Alan Belmore - then revealed he had been unwell for the last seven weeks, losing a stone and a half in weight.

A scan had shown a growth on a kidney but a check-up on Tuesday revealed it wasn’t serious as first feared and Councillor Hudson is hoping for the all-clear next month.

He said: “I’m doing well and I’m well on the way to recovery. I’m still here and tonight was the icing on the cake, though it was squeaky bum time. I just managed to get elected.”

Robust

Councillor Hudson, 76,added: “It’s a nice way to end my political career with a vote of confidence, not a defeat. At the moment I think four more years will be enough. I tend to be a bit robust, speak up for people and get into hot water.

“Tonight was very close but there has been an election when I lost by nine votes so I know how the young man (Alan Belmore) feels. He must be disappointed but he’s a young man who will come back, but some people probably thought I deserved a chance for the 14 years service I have given.”

Tories failed to mount a challenge elsewhere. Councillor Hudson adding: “There are two of us still. I have been down to one. I used to be a minority.”