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Published on: 28/07/2018 06:57 AMReported by: rogerblaxall
A well known Labour councillor's back in local politics - but it was a close run thing!
Gareth Dowling is now the elected member for Ormskirk's busy Knowsley ward but has seen a greatly reduced majority with Tory also ran George Vernon coming third after a slump in the blue vote. He didn't even attend the count with Coun. David Westley citing 'after effects of the hot weather' for his absence; perhaps the heat is on for local Conservatives after this disappointing display?
Dowling was congratulated by local Labour leader Ian Moran, his parents Terry and Patrick who were out campaigning for him that very morning! and mayor Noel Delaney - Delaney fought off a strong challenge back in May from OWL's Jane Thompson in Scott ward.
And speaking after the result, OWL sent this bullish press release to QLocal: 'Voters in Ormskirk’s Knowsley ward deserted the two main parties in droves on Thursday as Our West Lancashire Independent, Kate Mitchell secured a 15% swing from Labour to come within 74 votes of taking the seat.
'Speaking after the count, Ormskirk resident, Kate said, “I am very grateful to my supporters and I will continue to campaign and speak up on behalf of the residents. I enjoyed meeting so many residents during the campaign and to find that so many of them agreed with me that the appearance of our market town has declined and needs significant action to improve it.”
'Ms Mitchell’s election agent and Our West Lancashire councillor, Adrian Owens said: “Two months ago, Labour led us by more than 700 votes in this ward, now that lead is scarcely more than 70.
'Labour need to listen to the message from residents. Residents are tired of the political game playing – that’s why the Conservative vote plummeted too. In local Government, what residents want is good local services run efficiently with waste driven out of the system. Our West Lancashire will continue to focus on policies and ideas that deliver on that."'
Follow the discussion on news at facebook.com/groups/ormskirknews
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Your Comments:
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No wonder a large portion of people have very little or no faith in our politicians and the political manoeuvring of our main parties!
Here we have a lady who was voted in by the people on the policies she stated during her campaign! Whilst another in another ward was rejected, again by the people who did not accept his policies but a key player to his political party!
Mysteriously a few months later the elected member finds they can no longer serve and the rejected councillor moves wards and gets elected all be it by a tiny majority!
Call me cynical if you want but this type of democracy leaves me very much ill at ease!
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The best part of this result is Tory’s in 3rd looks like this town knows how to vote
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Well there is some thing we can agree about, Conservatives seem to have totally lost their way in and around Ormskirk.
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