Lib Dems receive nearly 50% of the vote in Withington constituency

10.53.53am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th May 2008

Manchester Withington Liberal Democrats are celebrating the results from last week's local elections where the Lib Dems received nearly 50% of the vote in Withington constituency.

Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington, John Leech, said:

"We were delighted to win five of the seven seats in Withington constituency. Labour were reduced to only winning two of the seats, and the Lib Dem lead over Labour has now accelerated to 17%.

"The results reflect how hard Lib Dem councillors work all year round. Local people realise what a difference having a Lib Dem councillor makes to our area. Labour clearly felt under pressure, even in the seats where they have councillors.

It is a shame that such an excellent candidate as Lianne Williams was not elected to council this time. It was a credit to Lianne that she received the highest ever Liberal Democrat vote in Chorlton."

Burnage, Didsbury East and West, Chorlton Park and Withington wards all enjoyed huge Lib Dem victories. Most significantly was the result in Burnage ward, where Councillor John Cameron received a massive 2096 votes - 1328 votes ahead of the Labour candidate.

The Lib Dems narrowed the gap on Labour in Old Moat ward by nearly 200 votes.

John Leech MP also congratulated the Lib Dem victories in Miles Platting and nearby Northenden.

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