Lib-Dem leader’s food for thought

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2010

“THAT’S just the way the cookie crumbles” — the words of Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes (right) after his party lost three seats and overall control of Oldham Council.

Labour snatched the three seats from the Lib-Dems, one from the Tories and one independent seat to put them on level pegging with Councillor Sykes’s party with 27 seats each.

The Lib-Dems most shocking loss was Mohib Uddin, former cabinet member for regeneration, whose seat was taken by Labour candidate Abdul Malik in Coldhurst (see Page 5).

Labour also gained Lib-Dem seats in Hollinwood, where Stephen Barrow lost his seat, and Royton South.

Councillor Sykes said that despite the change in the council’s constitution he is pleased with the way his party fought the election.

View all the results here

He said: “I think we fought this on the issues that matter — the budget, cleanliness, anti-social behaviour — and I wouldn’t have done anything any differently.

“Holding the general election on the same day saw a huge bounce towards Labour and I don’t think anyone knew what to expect locally.

“It’s never good to lose seats and councillors but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.”

With the Lib-Dems and Labour now even, it seems the Tories and the council’s sole independent Ian Barker may hold the balance of power.

Councillor Sykes, who says he has no plans to step down as party leader, added: “I think we all need to go home and get some sleep before we start making any decisions about joining up with other parties and forming coalitions.”