No regrets as Lib-Dems vow to bounce back

NOT a good result . . . for Kay Knox and Jim McArdle

ELECTION 2011:

FORMER council leader Howard Sykes said he had no regrets after Labour swept to power.

He saw the number of Liberal Democrat seats slashed from 27 to 21 and the party’s coalition with the Conservatives defeated.

And he said no decision had been made on whether he would stay as party leader, while he is yet to decide if he will defend his Shaw seat next year.

“I was expecting a bad set of results, it is not a surprise,” said Councillor Sykes (pictured right) who became council leader in 1998.

“The people of Oldham have had a referendum on national politics and we are the losers.

“I do not regret a single decision I have made over the last three years.

“We have laid some very solid foundations. I think when people will look back in five or 10 years they will see them for what they are.

“We have no regrets about how we have run the council for three years and I think we have left the council in a better state than when we inherited it.”

Lib-Dem Councillor Mark Alcock scraped to victory in Shaw with his 1,122 majority reduced to just 98 by Labour’s Amanda Chadderton.

He said: “Obviously it was very close. What you have to bear in mind is that across the country Lib-Dems are getting wiped out in some places. That’s not happening here. It’s not a good night but it’s not a wipe-out.

“I’m glad the people of Shaw have shown their belief in me and I will work to get the best for Shaw and keep Beal Hey recycling centre open.

“It’s been down to hard work, listening to people and what they ask for and doing your best for people. I feel gutted for the people who have lost their seats — people who have worked extremely hard for the council and people in their ward.

“It’s a real shame but I’m sure they will be back.”

He said the Lib-Dem losses were partly down to national politics and the Lib-Dems being in government for the first time.

And he accused Labour of playing politics by claiming the Government was cutting too much, too deep and too soon when Lib-Dem councils were actually protecting services and Labour councils like Manchester axing pools, libraries and Sure Start Centres.

Lib-Dem Councillor Derek Heffernan won by a whisker as he retained his Saddleworth North seat by only 17 votes from Independent Ken Hulme.

Councillor Heffernan said: “I’m relieved but obviously very disappointed that it was only 17 votes.

“I’m very disappointed that so many of my friends will not be returning this coming year.

“It has not been a good night for the Lib-Dems but I anticipate we will be back.”