Norden Conservatives were celebrating last night after their by-election candidate, Peter Winkler stormed in with an impressive win for the ward. Taking over 50% of the poll with 1081 votes he Peter retained the seat for the conservatives which had come available following the untimely death of Conservative councillor, the late Ann Metcalfe.
The by-election had been a hard fought campaign with three other parties represented and all working hard for a chance to take the seat from the Conservatives. It was clear to not however that Peter had been working in the ward for a number of years and his popularity on the doorsteps was obvious.
After four weeks of campaigning election day dawned at 5:30am Conservative supporters out to spread the word that this was the time to act to keep Norden as a Conservative seat. Our supporters did not disappoint and showed that whatever the opposition might say, the Conservatives are respected in the ward for their ‘all year round’ approach to serving the public.
As the votes were counted at the Town Hall it soon became clear that this would be a Conservative victory and following official counts and verification Peter Winkler was announce as the new councillor for Norden ward at 23:30. Rochdale council leader, Colin Lambert, congratulated Peter on a good clean campaign and said he looked forward to welcoming him to the next council meeting.
Peter’s agent, Bamford Councillor, Ian Duckworth said “This has been a hard fought campaign but our victory here tonight just proves that Norden’s residents recognise the fact that their Conservative councillors are working hard for the ward, all year round. Peter will be an excellent councillor for the ward and I am delighted at the result.”
Peter said: “These were not the circumstances under which I had hoped to be standing (following the death of Councillor Metcalfe) but having been the person who introduced me to the Conservative group four years ago, I am sure that she would have been delighted at tonight’s result. I would like to thank all the people who have voted for me, Ian my agent, and all the supporters who have helped in many ways to fight this election campaign. This is a fantastic result and I am looking forward to working hard for everyone in Norden over the coming years.”
The final results were:
Turnout: 27%
Conservative: 1081
Labour: 627
Liberal Democrat: 246
National Front: 156