Sykes stays but Lib-Dems lose ground

Photo: Darren Robinson

VETERAN Lib-Dem Councillor Howard Sykes (left) gets applause from Councillor Chris Gloster and other supporters after retaining his Shaw seat.

LIB-DEM leader Councillor Howard Sykes led the way for his party but saw it lose a seat overall.

He secured the Shaw ward - making it his 29th year on the council - but the Lib-Dems lost Saddleworth West and Lees after Val Sedgwick stood down with her replacement Steve Barrow losing out to Labour’s Stephen Hewitt.

On his victory, Councillor Sykes said: “It’s a great honour, it’s quite humbling.”

Asked for the secret of his success, he added: “I work hard for people and they put their trust in you. I listen to people and try to do things about the issues they are concerned about and don’t take them for granted.”

On the Lib-Dem’s overall performance, which leaves the party with just nine seats, he said: “It was what we expected. This was never going to be an election where there was going to be a change in Oldham. But some people have come close.

“We haven’t made a dent this year but after a general election when we nearly got wiped off the face of the Earth we are recovering from that position and the majorities we have got are great. We are improving our position.”

Choice

He added: “Turnout is low. I wish turnout was higher but people have a choice: they can stay at home or come and vote. I would be happier if people came out and voted.”

Councillor Garth Harkness held Saddleworth North. He said: “I’m very honoured to be re-elected and quite humbled that I have increased my majority from 56 to 443. I’m very happy that the people of Saddleworth have put faith in me.

“I think we have done pretty well. We have made a step forward and we are moving forward as a party after five years in coalition, which was challenging. The fightback begins here.

“It’s a low turnout but I think some people were a bit confused as there’s an EU referendum coming up so they thought the election was in June.”

Councillor Diane Williamson held Crompton after Labour stalwart Bernard Judge, who was deselected by his party in Royton North, failed in his comeback, finishing third behind UKIP’s Nicholas Goldeman.

She said: “I’m excited but I think the reason was that people see that what we do is listen to what residents say and act on that. I promise to do my best and that’s it. I’m just really pleased and want to carry on.”

She pledged to continue the campaign to get Shaw a new health centre.