Labour in St Helens bucked the national trend by enjoying a successful local election night, but it was not enough to regain control of the Town Hall.
The results saw Labour gain two seats, meaning they have a grip on 23 of the 48 wards and again have the largest share at the council.
But it is still not enough to snatch back power of the council that they lost two years ago.
It is expected the Lib Dem and Conservative alliance will continue to run the council, with the next election not due until 2010.
Labour gained West Park and Billinge from the Lib Dems while veteran councillors Tom Hargreaves and Jim Caunce held on to Bold and Haydock respectively.
The victory for Caunce, aged 89 and one of the oldest councillors in the country, was arguably the story of the night as he defended the seat he has held for more than 50 years.
He managed to hold on in a ward where the Lib Dems had secured an 800 vote majority last year.
West Park had been a target ward for Labour and Robbie Ayres victory ensures the party now hold all three seats in that area.
Labour also regained Billinge and Seneley Green, which they had lost when Bessie Griffin went independent and then defected to the Lib Dems.
It was a night, however, when the Lib Dems big guns secured resounding victories.
Council leader Brian Spencer,deputy leader Suzanne Knight and executive committee member Carole Kavanagh all defended their seats with large majorities.
Wally Ashcroft, the St Helens Tory leader, was also safe. Despite having only six seats, the Tories have the critical say on the balance of power at St Helens Town Hall.
The results leaves the make up of St Helens Council as Labour 23, Lib Dems 19 and Conservative 6.
No single party has overall control of the local authority, however the power sharing agreement between the Lib Dems and Tories is expected to continue.
A significant percentage of the vote went to the British National Party, which polled more votes than the Tories in West Park and Bold.
This leaves the make up of the council as Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 19, and Conservative 6.
1:00am Friday 2nd May 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: smoore on 1:27am Fri 2 May 08
I make it 2 gains for Labour and the Lib Dems missing all their target seats so far...The Lib Dems had a 800 vote majority in Haydock last year and that has been turned into a 300+ Labour majority this year.That's quite a turnaround in just 12 months...
I make it 2 gains for Labour and the Lib Dems missing all their target seats so far...The Lib Dems had a 800 vote majority in Haydock last year and that has been turned into a 300+ Labour majority this year.That's quite a turnaround in just 12 months...
Posted by: Clive of india, St helens on 8:09am Fri 2 May 08
The fact that the sheep in our town are still voting for anything in a red jumper, clearly indicates that they love the idea of paying even more taxes levied by their beloved party ...... unless they are all on the Benefits gravy train.
The fact that the sheep in our town are still voting for anything in a red jumper, clearly indicates that they love the idea of paying even more taxes levied by their beloved party ...... unless they are all on the Benefits gravy train.
Posted by: RR on 8:25am Fri 2 May 08
I believe council tax in st helens has risen by 2.5% for the last 7 or 8 years under both labour and the lib dems.I have no idea what gives you the impression that the liberals are a low tax party.
Perhaps the 'sheep' as you call them didn't much like the the sharp rise in care charges and meals on wheels charges the lib dems/tories brought in, or simply voted against the notion that we have a deputy council leader who is against a development bringing thousands of jobs to the area.
I believe council tax in st helens has risen by 2.5% for the last 7 or 8 years under both labour and the lib dems.I have no idea what gives you the impression that the liberals are a low tax party.
Perhaps the 'sheep' as you call them didn't much like the the sharp rise in care charges and meals on wheels charges the lib dems/tories brought in, or simply voted against the notion that we have a deputy council leader who is against a development bringing thousands of jobs to the area.
Posted by: donkeykonger on 8:41am Fri 2 May 08
Nice to see our Lib Dem/Tory/CAP Alliance flounder badly last night. Firstly the Lib Dems made zero gains in St Helens on a night when Labour had its worst national local election results for 30 years ( just think how badly they are going to do when Labour pick up ) ,Labour gained two Lib Dem seats AND The leader of CAP in Wigan lost his seat to Labour.
4 star council? You're having a laugh Laughing Laughing The Lib Dems are now learning that responsibility comes with a burden at the polls.
Parkside?In the wards effected the Lib Dem vote was static in Newton, therr were big swings to Labour in Earlestown and Haydock and two anti Parkside CAP councillors in Lowton and Golborne were ousted.If the anti parkside lot wanted a referendum on parkside they got one.
Nice to see our Lib Dem/Tory/CAP Alliance flounder badly last night. Firstly the Lib Dems made zero gains in St Helens on a night when Labour had its worst national local election results for 30 years ( just think how badly they are going to do when Labour pick up ) ,Labour gained two Lib Dem seats AND The leader of CAP in Wigan lost his seat to Labour.
4 star council? You're having a laugh Laughing Laughing The Lib Dems are now learning that responsibility comes with a burden at the polls.
Parkside?In the wards effected the Lib Dem vote was static in Newton, therr were big swings to Labour in Earlestown and Haydock and two anti Parkside CAP councillors in Lowton and Golborne were ousted.If the anti parkside lot wanted a referendum on parkside they got one.
Posted by: Slog, St Helens on 1:56pm Fri 2 May 08
Thank’s to the Star for the fantastic photograph of Dave Watts and Jim Caunce. Dave Watt’s is one of the best ambassador’s for St Helens that we have ever had and Jim Caunce’s lifetime dedication to St Helens and the Labour Party paid dividends on May the 1st by bucking the national trend and having the biggest swing to Labour of any seat in the country.
God bless the “yicker’s” for seeing through the Lib Dems and their unholy alliance with the Tories, and god bless Jim for his lifetimes dedication to the people of Haydock and St Helens. As a Freeman of the Borough, ex Mayor and holder of the M.B.E. I can think of no one better than Jim to receive a Knighthood in the peoples Honours list.
Join me in putting his name forward at www.honours.gov.uk
Thank’s to the Star for the fantastic photograph of Dave Watts and Jim Caunce. Dave Watt’s is one of the best ambassador’s for St Helens that we have ever had and Jim Caunce’s lifetime dedication to St Helens and the Labour Party paid dividends on May the 1st by bucking the national trend and having the biggest swing to Labour of any seat in the country.
God bless the “yicker’s” for seeing through the Lib Dems and their unholy alliance with the Tories, and god bless Jim for his lifetimes dedication to the people of Haydock and St Helens. As a Freeman of the Borough, ex Mayor and holder of the M.B.E. I can think of no one better than Jim to receive a Knighthood in the peoples Honours list.
Join me in putting his name forward at www.honours.gov.uk
Posted by: James Rockford, Haydock on 2:19pm Fri 2 May 08
[bold]Well I was tired of Labour putting nobody's/or people from outside haydock for candidate, as I wanted a haydock person to represent the haydock ward! And the lib dem's this year have shot themselves in the foot and put someone from out side of haydock!!!! And this year Labour have got it right and put a true gent and a legend in his own rights, James Caunce!
And i'm really Glad that Jim won this year, and it should be an honor and a pleasure for the people of st helens not just the Labour party to have Jim on the council !
regard
James Rockford[/bold]
Well I was tired of Labour putting nobody's/or people from outside haydock for candidate, as I wanted a haydock person to represent the haydock ward! And the lib dem's this year have shot themselves in the foot and put someone from out side of haydock!!!! And this year Labour have got it right and put a true gent and a legend in his own rights, James Caunce!
And i'm really Glad that Jim won this year, and it should be an honor and a pleasure for the people of st helens not just the Labour party to have Jim on the council !
regard
James Rockford Posted by: Concerned, St.Helens on 2:37pm Fri 2 May 08
Heaven help everyone in St.Helens if Labour ever get control again.
The Lib. Dems in my area have done a fantastic job. All power to their elbow. Long may this excellent Alliance between Conservatives and Lib.Dems continue.
Heaven help everyone in St.Helens if Labour ever get control again.
The Lib. Dems in my area have done a fantastic job. All power to their elbow. Long may this excellent Alliance between Conservatives and Lib.Dems continue.
Posted by: RR on 3:09pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Concerned[/bold] wrote:
Heaven help everyone in St.Helens if Labour ever get control again.
The Lib. Dems in my area have done a fantastic job. All power to their elbow. Long may this excellent Alliance between Conservatives and Lib.Dems continue. [/quote] so they didn't raise care charges, meals on wheels charges and oppose the parkside jobs in your particular ward then? that's odd.
Concerned wrote:
Heaven help everyone in St.Helens if Labour ever get control again.
The Lib. Dems in my area have done a fantastic job. All power to their elbow. Long may this excellent Alliance between Conservatives and Lib.Dems continue.
so they didn't raise care charges, meals on wheels charges and oppose the parkside jobs in your particular ward then? that's odd.
Posted by: Clive of india, St helens on 5:02pm Fri 2 May 08
They did raise them and as a working tax payer I say ' thank you '. For too long , the ' give me, give me " Labour voters of this town have expected us to fund them whilst they fill in their endless reams of benefit forms.
We all know who wants Labour in power and it's not those digging ever deeper in to their pockets to keep the giro's flowing.
They did raise them and as a working tax payer I say ' thank you '. For too long , the ' give me, give me " Labour voters of this town have expected us to fund them whilst they fill in their endless reams of benefit forms.
We all know who wants Labour in power and it's not those digging ever deeper in to their pockets to keep the giro's flowing.
Posted by: Paul on 5:44pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Clive of india[/bold] wrote:
They did raise them and as a working tax payer I say ' thank you '. For too long , the ' give me, give me " Labour voters of this town have expected us to fund them whilst they fill in their endless reams of benefit forms.
We all know who wants Labour in power and it's not those digging ever deeper in to their pockets to keep the giro's flowing.[/quote] what on earth are you talking about? People PAY for care charges and meals on wheels.People who have worked all their lives and are still paying you idiot.
Clive of india wrote:
They did raise them and as a working tax payer I say ' thank you '. For too long , the ' give me, give me " Labour voters of this town have expected us to fund them whilst they fill in their endless reams of benefit forms.
We all know who wants Labour in power and it's not those digging ever deeper in to their pockets to keep the giro's flowing.
what on earth are you talking about? People PAY for care charges and meals on wheels.People who have worked all their lives and are still paying you idiot.
Posted by: sty on 9:37pm Fri 2 May 08
yeah well done to the star, top coverage and analysis, most of us get confused about who is running the council with who at times
yeah well done to the star, top coverage and analysis, most of us get confused about who is running the council with who at times
Posted by: Clive of india, St helens on 10:23pm Fri 2 May 08
They make a contribution, they don't pay the full market cost.
Might not be so keen to have others running around after them if they did.
They make a contribution, they don't pay the full market cost.
Might not be so keen to have others running around after them if they did.
Posted by: Yicker on 12:06pm Sat 3 May 08
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I'm going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I'm going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.
Posted by: jim rockford, haydock on 12:49pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]Yicker[/bold] wrote:
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I'm going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.[/quote] Good job you didn't put your real name, they would get you done for age discrimination! That’s with all this political correctness gone mad!
Age doesn't matter to me, If Jim can still go about, attend meetings and talk to his constituents, then he's fit to do the job!
And if you are a true yicker then you should be PROUD of Jim to be representing you and Haydock for more than 50 years!
Regards
James Rockford [bold]bold[/bold]
Yicker wrote:
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I'm going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.
Good job you didn't put your real name, they would get you done for age discrimination! That’s with all this political correctness gone mad!
Age doesn't matter to me, If Jim can still go about, attend meetings and talk to his constituents, then he's fit to do the job!
And if you are a true yicker then you should be PROUD of Jim to be representing you and Haydock for more than 50 years!
Regards
James Rockford
Posted by: jim evans on 2:19pm Sat 3 May 08
[quote][bold]Yicker[/bold] wrote:
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I\'m going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.[/quote] he'll do the job a **** sight more justice than the people who keep standing in Haydock but don't live in haydock.I'm assuming they couldn't get elected anywhere else and thought the people of haydock are a soft touch - think again!!! Jim Caunce is Haydock through and through and I often see him walking around even though he is 89. He says hello to everyone and is completely approachable...how many councillors can say that?
Yicker wrote:
Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I\'m going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.
he'll do the job a **** sight more justice than the people who keep standing in Haydock but don't live in haydock.I'm assuming they couldn't get elected anywhere else and thought the people of haydock are a soft touch - think again!!! Jim Caunce is Haydock through and through and I often see him walking around even though he is 89. He says hello to everyone and is completely approachable...how many councillors can say that?
Posted by: Bill Bradbury on 7:51pm Sat 3 May 08
A disgraceful remark made by Yicker. I have known Jim Caunce over many years I can remember even when I was a Tory!! Jim is an ambassador for Haydock and has served them and St.Helens well. Well done true "Yickers"!
I do agree with one "poster" that any person standing should live in the area. Probably why I as a Labour Parish Cllr. and party worker we did so well in Billinge and Seneley Green. Local people for local areas and why to his credit the Tory candidate did well as he also lived in the area.
As to the Council, it's called democracy and we will still await an answer to my many times put question of whether the Lib/Dems and Tories support Parkside. Yes Or No?
Judging by Cllr. Knight's majority the people of Newton have decided they want to close Newton High, have an Academy school and don't want any more jobs in Newton. Newton the NYMBY area of the NW.
A disgraceful remark made by Yicker. I have known Jim Caunce over many years I can remember even when I was a Tory!! Jim is an ambassador for Haydock and has served them and St.Helens well. Well done true "Yickers"!
I do agree with one "poster" that any person standing should live in the area. Probably why I as a Labour Parish Cllr. and party worker we did so well in Billinge and Seneley Green. Local people for local areas and why to his credit the Tory candidate did well as he also lived in the area.
As to the Council, it's called democracy and we will still await an answer to my many times put question of whether the Lib/Dems and Tories support Parkside. Yes Or No?
Judging by Cllr. Knight's majority the people of Newton have decided they want to close Newton High, have an Academy school and don't want any more jobs in Newton. Newton the NYMBY area of the NW.
Posted by: scotty on 8:56pm Sat 3 May 08
[italic]"Judging by Cllr. Knight's majority the people of Newton have decided they want to close Newton High, have an Academy school and don't want any more jobs in Newton. Newton the NYMBY area of the NW."[/italic]
Newton Le Willows is a town with two wards, Newton and Earlestown. The Nimby vote has sustained the Lib Dems in Newton ward for several years, while we have a Labour government depressing the labour local election vote I suspect that will continue. That said the Newton result was more or less exactly the same as last year.
On the other hand there was a large swing to Labour in Earlestown, which was a Lib Dem target.Taking the two wards into account the only movement in Newton Le Willows went to Labour from the Lib Dems.
"Judging by Cllr. Knight's majority the people of Newton have decided they want to close Newton High, have an Academy school and don't want any more jobs in Newton. Newton the NYMBY area of the NW."
Newton Le Willows is a town with two wards, Newton and Earlestown. The Nimby vote has sustained the Lib Dems in Newton ward for several years, while we have a Labour government depressing the labour local election vote I suspect that will continue. That said the Newton result was more or less exactly the same as last year.
On the other hand there was a large swing to Labour in Earlestown, which was a Lib Dem target.Taking the two wards into account the only movement in Newton Le Willows went to Labour from the Lib Dems.
Posted by: big doug on 9:51pm Sat 3 May 08
the lib dem line on parkside now appears to be "it's got nothing to do with us,gov" . I assume a government minister will be looking at submissions made by the council. Has a major development ever gone ahead without the backing of the local council?As far as I'm concerned that means the lib dems and the council leader are still very much on the spot when it comes to parkside.Cllr knight said she could speak on parkside because she is no longer on plasnning, Cllr Spencer says it will be a government decision.When is someone on this council going to take responsibilty for anything?
the lib dem line on parkside now appears to be "it's got nothing to do with us,gov" . I assume a government minister will be looking at submissions made by the council. Has a major development ever gone ahead without the backing of the local council?As far as I'm concerned that means the lib dems and the council leader are still very much on the spot when it comes to parkside.Cllr knight said she could speak on parkside because she is no longer on plasnning, Cllr Spencer says it will be a government decision.When is someone on this council going to take responsibilty for anything?
Posted by: Les Teeling, Fingerpost on 12:42am Tue 6 May 08
As the chair of March for Jobs Which took thousands of St.Helens folk down to London in order that we could lobby the tory goverment for a better deal on employment,We now have an excellent oppertunity to secure jobs at Parkside,and the people being paid very good salaries Concillors,and Offiers of this Council,have a duty to make and take decisions which will benefit this town for many years to come.They also have a duty too keep the people of this town informed of the progress being made,and by that i mean a weekly update not a sound bite every now and then.This also applieas to the New Stadium,and the promised new home for Pilks Junior Rugby.Come clean and give us the info we are entitled to have
As the chair of March for Jobs Which took thousands of St.Helens folk down to London in order that we could lobby the tory goverment for a better deal on employment,We now have an excellent oppertunity to secure jobs at Parkside,and the people being paid very good salaries Concillors,and Offiers of this Council,have a duty to make and take decisions which will benefit this town for many years to come.They also have a duty too keep the people of this town informed of the progress being made,and by that i mean a weekly update not a sound bite every now and then.This also applieas to the New Stadium,and the promised new home for Pilks Junior Rugby.Come clean and give us the info we are entitled to have
Posted by: Jim Rockford, Haydock on 8:16pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]jim evans[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Yicker[/bold] wrote: Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I\\\'m going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.[/quote] he\'ll do the job a **** sight more justice than the people who keep standing in Haydock but don\'t live in haydock.I\'m assuming they couldn\'t get elected anywhere else and thought the people of haydock are a soft touch - think again!!! Jim Caunce is Haydock through and through and I often see him walking around even though he is 89. He says hello to everyone and is completely approachable...how many councillors can say that? [/quote] that's right Mr. Evans, the Tory candidate was from windle (who didn't turn up to the count) the B.N.P (who I totally disagree with and should never be allowed to stand), was from west park and the Lib Dem candidate was from Haresfinch, he stood for the Lib Dems in two other area's, and then he wonder's why he didn't get in! And then Jim Caunce M.B.E was born in Haydock, lives in Haydock went to school in Haydock and is the most friendly person I have ever met! And there aren’t many cllr’s who are approachable and give the time and the day for you! Jim Caunce is an old style Cllr where he’s knows everyone’s name, approachable, say’s hello to anyone if he knows you or didn’t know you, to be seen and heard around Haydock and St Helens and not just heard at election time! And I could go, but I won’t, and I hope some of the cllr’s (and future cllr’s) from ALL parties take note of this and some might change there ways
Regards
James Rockford
[bold]bold[/bold]
jim evans wrote:
Yicker wrote: Jim Caunce is 89 years old?? Is he really going to be able to do the job justice? I know I'm going to get slated for daring to say so, but he is far too old for the job in my opinion.
he\'ll do the job a **** sight more justice than the people who keep standing in Haydock but don\'t live in haydock.I\'m assuming they couldn\'t get elected anywhere else and thought the people of haydock are a soft touch - think again!!! Jim Caunce is Haydock through and through and I often see him walking around even though he is 89. He says hello to everyone and is completely approachable...how many councillors can say that?
that's right Mr. Evans, the Tory candidate was from windle (who didn't turn up to the count) the B.N.P (who I totally disagree with and should never be allowed to stand), was from west park and the Lib Dem candidate was from Haresfinch, he stood for the Lib Dems in two other area's, and then he wonder's why he didn't get in! And then Jim Caunce M.B.E was born in Haydock, lives in Haydock went to school in Haydock and is the most friendly person I have ever met! And there aren’t many cllr’s who are approachable and give the time and the day for you! Jim Caunce is an old style Cllr where he’s knows everyone’s name, approachable, say’s hello to anyone if he knows you or didn’t know you, to be seen and heard around Haydock and St Helens and not just heard at election time! And I could go, but I won’t, and I hope some of the cllr’s (and future cllr’s) from ALL parties take note of this and some might change there ways
Regards
James Rockford
Posted by: Jim Rockford, Haydock on 8:56pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]Les Teeling[/bold] wrote:
As the chair of March for Jobs Which took thousands of St.Helens folk down to London in order that we could lobby the tory goverment for a better deal on employment,We now have an excellent oppertunity to secure jobs at Parkside,and the people being paid very good salaries Concillors,and Offiers of this Council,have a duty to make and take decisions which will benefit this town for many years to come.They also have a duty too keep the people of this town informed of the progress being made,and by that i mean a weekly update not a sound bite every now and then.This also applieas to the New Stadium,and the promised new home for Pilks Junior Rugby.Come clean and give us the info we are entitled to have[/quote] I agree with the sound bite comment, we only get informed when one party start’s leafleting the areas about what they’ve done over the past few month and then it gets the other party leafleting about what great things they have done or haven’t but claimed to have done ! Then it gets into the paper (star/reporter) and then the cllr’s have got to answer questions, and then they answer it with another question, and its one continuous circle, then we get this ‘‘oh it’s going/been decided by a government official’’ ! Which we will hear quite a lot, because the lib dems are always on the fence and never want to upset anyone!
regards
James Rockford [bold]bold[/bold]
Les Teeling wrote:
As the chair of March for Jobs Which took thousands of St.Helens folk down to London in order that we could lobby the tory goverment for a better deal on employment,We now have an excellent oppertunity to secure jobs at Parkside,and the people being paid very good salaries Concillors,and Offiers of this Council,have a duty to make and take decisions which will benefit this town for many years to come.They also have a duty too keep the people of this town informed of the progress being made,and by that i mean a weekly update not a sound bite every now and then.This also applieas to the New Stadium,and the promised new home for Pilks Junior Rugby.Come clean and give us the info we are entitled to have
I agree with the sound bite comment, we only get informed when one party start’s leafleting the areas about what they’ve done over the past few month and then it gets the other party leafleting about what great things they have done or haven’t but claimed to have done ! Then it gets into the paper (star/reporter) and then the cllr’s have got to answer questions, and then they answer it with another question, and its one continuous circle, then we get this ‘‘oh it’s going/been decided by a government official’’ ! Which we will hear quite a lot, because the lib dems are always on the fence and never want to upset anyone!
regards
James Rockford
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
