Conservatives win Norden by-election

Peter Winkler immediately following official confirmation that he is the new Conservative councillor for Norden

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The Conservatives held their seat in the Norden by-election.

Conservative candidate Peter Winkler said he was: "Saddened by the circumstances [the death of Councillor Ann Metcalfe] but delighted to have won."

Labour had hopes of taking the seat from the Conservatives but as soon as the ballot papers began to be counted it was clear Peter Winkler had retained the seat for the Conservatives.

A very disappointing night for the Liberal Democrats with former councillor Pat Colclough faring not much better than National Front candidate Peter Greenwood.

A well known and popular figure in Norden, Mr Winkler was modest in victory and paid glowing tribute to the late Ann Metcalfe whose shoes he now steps into. It was Councillor Metcalfe who introduced Mr Winkler to the Conservative Party and local politics around four years ago and his victory he felt would be something she would be "very pleased with".

Speaking to Rochdale Online immediately after the result was announced, Mr Winkler (now Councillor Winkler) said: "It feels fantastic to have won.

"Thank you very much to those who voted for me.

"I want to carry on working for Norden, and intend to listen to what residents want and need and hopefully serve them as well as Ann did."

Labour/Council Leader Colin Lambert was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated Mr Winkler on his victory and shook his hand saying he looked forward to seeing him at the next council meeting.

The turnout was 27%. The total number of votes cast was 2116, with 6 spoilt votes.

The election was called following the death of Councillor Ann Metcalfe in February.

Result:

Peter Winkler (Conservative): 1081
Anthony Bennett (Labour): 627
Patricia Colclough (Lib Dem): 246
Peter Greenwood (National Front): 156

Live Commentary:

23.30 Conservative candidate Peter Winkler has been elected as Councillor for Norden ward with a majority of 454.

23.25 The Conservative candidate, Peter Winkler looks to have around 400 votes more than the Labour candidate, Anthony Bennett.

23.15 The turnout for today's by-election is around 27%

23.10 A Conservative win looks to be a certainty now the counting is underway.

22.55 All the votes have been sorted and are now being counted. We expect a result to be announced within 30 minutes.

22.45 The box from Birtle has arrived and has been opened. Postal votes are now being sorted and look to be weighed in favour of the Conservatives.

22.35 The votes in the ballot box from The Old Library seem to be evenly split between Labour and Conservative.

22.30 The box from the Old Library polling station is now being sorted and the Conservative candidate looks to be ahead at this stage.

22.20 The first box from St Paul's Parish Church arrives and is opened.

22.10 The first ballot box arrives from Caldershaw polling station.

The polls have now closed in the local by-election for the Norden ward of Rochdale. The by-election was been called following the death of Conservative Councillor Ann Metcalfe who passed away in February.

Each candidate submitted a pitch to Rochdale Online before the election and you can view those (and the results, once they are anounced) in our Election pages