Deirdre McGeown’s stunning victory in Westhoughton by-election

The winning team… Deirdre McGeown celebrates her victory last night

Deirdre McGeown won the Westhoughton North and Hunger Hill by-election, with a stunning majority of 295 over the Conservatives.

Liberal Democrat candidate Deirdre said: “This hard-fought success is thanks to your unwavering support, so from me to you, I want to say a big thank you.”

The Conservatives were punished by voters for their neglect of Westhoughton while Labour were left trailing in a distant third place as they offered no alternative to more Tory chaos.

The by-election was caused by a Tory councillor quitting Bolton Council after not showing up for 5 months.

Deirdre added: “I am proud to call Westhoughton my home and I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of residents on the doorsteps over the last six weeks.

“Many of you told me of your frustrations around access to local health facilities and the impact that overdevelopment of our town is having on these services and our road infrastructure.

“I am getting straight to work to raise these important issues and to give you back a voice at Bolton Town Hall.”

Deirdre joins Arthur Price, Neil Maher and David Wilkinson as Liberal Democrat councillors representing Westhoughton on Bolton Council.

The full results

Deirdre McGeown (Lib Dem) - 959

Andrea Finney (Conservative) - 665

Karen Millington (Labour) - 440

Jack Speight (Westhoughton First) - 118

Jeff Armstrong (Reform UK & Bolton for Change) - 101

Wendy Shepherd (Green) - 28