THE Conservatives held onto their borough council seat in Rixton and Woolston following a hard fought by-election.

Rob Tynan defeated Labour rival Trish Cockayne by just three votes in the election held on Thursday.

And while it was a hold for the party, it still represents a major win for the Conservatives in Warrington given the national polling lead Labour holds.

The defeat comes against the local picture of anger at council investments, the local plan and central six.

Cllr Tynan takes over from Cllr Josh Dixon who stepped down due to a change in working circumstances.

Cllr Tynan said he will work hard on protecting the green spaces, improving our communal spaces, and campaigning against the Warburton Toll Bridge price rises.

He added: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as your next borough bouncillor for Rixton and Woolston. I look forward to representing an area I have grown up in and have spent a lot of time in.

"I look forward to working for residents to make Rixton and Woolston one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.

“For far too long Labour have taken us for granted and have failed to deliver for Rixton and Woolston. I look forward to continuing the work of former councillor Josh Dixon did in the community and continue to make sure that Rixton and Woolston and working with my Conservative colleagues to hold Labour to account.”

Cllr Wendy Maisey OBE, chairman of Warrington Conservatives, added: “Today, as they did in May 2021, the good people of Rixton and Woolston voted for a Conservative Councillor. Rob ran a clean campaign on the issues that matter most to residents, and he has their mandate.

“I look forward to welcoming Rob to the council chamber alongside borough colleagues so we can work together to deliver for the residents of Warrington and hold the failing Labour administration to account. It is clear that the Labour Party in Warrington has not cut through to the residents despite the national trend.”

The results in full

 

Trish Cockayne (Labour) 645

Brian Miechen (Liberal Democrat) 219

Robert Tynan (Conservative) 648 (elected)

Turnout 20.52 per cent