Delighted Sykes eager to kick on

Louie Hamblett and Howard Sykes (right), Lib Dem winners in South ward, Shaw and Crompton. Photo Paul Sterritt

LEADER of the opposition Howard Sykes declared himself ecstatic with the Liberal Democrats’ performance at this year’s local elections. The party held all three of its seats.

With the Lib-Dems keeping their number in the council chamber at 10, Councillor Sykes was eager to look forward.

He said: “I’m ecstatic. We came in defending three seats and held on to all of them - there won’t be many others across the North-West that have done that.

“I’m glad we get to see Derek Heffernan back in his seat and now we can work together with our council colleagues to do the best for the borough.”

Councillor Heffernan defended his seat in Saddleworth North with a majority of 285 from Conservative candidate Sean Curley with a turnout of 70.01 per cent.

Councillor Heffernan, who has served Saddleworth North’s electorate for 28 years, said: “I’m relieved and happy. The campaign is now over and we can look forward to the job in hand. I’m looking forward to doing everything we can over the next four years for the people of Saddleworth and Oldham.”

In Crompton, Julia Turner won the seat vacated by long-standing councillor John Dillon with a close majority of 223 over Labour candidate Chris Goodwin.

Councillor Turner said: “All we want to do is work together to do our best. We just want to make sure we represent the people of Crompton.”

Another Lib-Dem newcomer, Chris Gloster, beat Labour’s Hemmy Spiggott with a slim majority of 220 in Shaw.

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