By Alex Johnston, Liam Barnes & Steven Oldham
Trafford is still under full Conservative control after tonight’s election results saw the majority of seats remain as they were on May 4.
The only changes happened in the Village and Urmston wards. Laura Evans, the Conservative candidate won the Village seat from incumbent John Kenyon of the Liberal Democrats, while in Urmston, Joanne Harding of Labour gained the seat from Eddie Kelson of the Tories.
Before the election, John Kenyon said: “The coalition are making things difficult, but I am trying to focus on local issues.“
David Acton, leader of Trafford Labour party, said: “I’m really pleased we held onto all of our seats, we made a big gain in Urmston and just missed out in a few other seats.
It sends a strong message to Conservatives in Trafford that people are worried about the cuts.”
He said they hope to make more gains next year.
Despite David Acton’s positive assessment, there was disappointment for Helen Simpson, Labour’s candidate in Davyhulme East, who lost by 311 votes.
She said: “I am absolutely gutted. It was a disappointing night all around, but I’m not giving up.”
Matt Colledge, the Conservative leader who moved from Timperley to Altrincham in a bid to increase his majority, said: “I am very pleased with what happened tonight.”
Village proved to be the tightest ward, with the Conservatives Laura Evans beating the Lib Dems John Kenyon by just 61 votes.
Councillor Colledge said: “The gain in the Village ensures we keep strong control over Trafford Council.”
I was confident we would retain my old seat but my move to Altrincham is a good move for the party.”
The results leave the Tories with overall control of the Council and an unchanged 37 seats.
Labour gained one seat and a total of 22, and the Lib Dems dropped one seat finishing on four.
In a bad night for the Lib Dems they finished behind the Greens in numerous wards, including Flixton, Gorse Hill and Bucklow St Martins.
Councillor Colledge said: “I have been surprised to see how much the Lib Dem vote has suffered.”
