VOTERS resoundingly rejected a change to the voting system for General Elections in the country’s first referendum for more than 30 years.

Residents voted more than two to one against moving to an AV system currently used in countries such as Australia.

The system would have allowed voters to list their preferences for parties rather than simply voting for a winner as they do now.

The ‘Yes’ campaign was backed by council leader Ian Marks (LD), Nick Bent for Labour and Conservative MP David Mowat.

High profile opponents in the town included MP Helen Jones.

Mr Bent said: “Despite a unique, cross-party, pro-AV consensus in Warrington South between David Mowat, Ian Marks and me, the voters have spoken clearly and I will focus even more on the big issues like the NHS, jobs and anti-social behaviour where people fear the coalition is making big mistakes.”

Clr Marks added that it was not an issue which has excited voters during the campaign.

He added: “I am disappointed but the yes campaign did not get the message across to the people.

“It was too complicated for people.”

Results: Yes: 19,134 No: 40,442 with a turnout of 39.4 per cent.