ROSSENDALE’S Labour party could be about to seize control of the borough after a dramatic election saw several shock Tory defeats.

Long-serving council leader Tony Swain was the highest-profile casualty, ousted from his Longholme seat by Labour’s Peter Roberts.

Labour also took seats in Greensclough, Hareholme, Irwell and Worsley wards as well as retaining the five seats they held.

As well as devastated Mr Swain, the Tories took a further blow when deputy council leader Bill Challinor and cabinet member Peter Steen failed to retain their seats.

Mr Swain said: “I am absolutely devastated I have lost my seat.

“Details of what will happen next for the Rossendale Conservative party will be hammered out without me.

“I have been a councillor for seven years and the council leader for three and a half years and I still strongly believe in all things Rossendale.

“I just hope the newly-elected councillors work as hard as I did to serve the people.”

Former portfolio holder for Environmental services Mr Steen said: “I am disappointed with the result but that is the nature of politics.

"I have had 13 enjoyable years as an Irwell councillor.

“I do believe the lack of Lib Dem candidates has had a deep effect, though.”

Overall, Labour now has 17 seats, Conservatives 16 seats, Liberal Democrats two and the Community First party holds one.

No party has overall majority leaving a hung council.

Valley Labour leader Alyson Barnes said: “I am delighted with the result and it is because the Labour party has listened to what the electorate wants.

“Cuts such as the Dial a Ride service and the 464 bus service are affecting ordinary people and these people have now voted with their feet.”

The Conservatives held onto Helmshore, attracting the largest number of votes for Amanda Milling, and they snatched a win in Greenfield ward with Annabel Shipley winning the former Liberal Democrat seat following Catherine Pilling’s retirement.

Tory MP Jake Berry said: “I am extremely sad to see Tony, Bill and Peter lose their seats as they have dragged the council from one of the worst to one of the best in the country.”

Results

CRIBDEN
Mischa Nicholas Charlton-Mockett Conservative 402
Christine Margaret Gill Labour 680.

FACIT & SHAWFORTH
Tom Aldred Labour 526
David Barnes Conservative 429
Thomas Jackson Green Party 148.

GREENFIELD
Marilyn Procter Labour 803
Annabel Jane Shipley Conservative 979.

GREENSCLOUGH
Bill Challinor Conservative 789
Andy Macnae Labour 855.

HAREHOLME
Michael John Pickup Conservative 766
Patrick Marriott Labour 908.

HEALEY & WHITWORTH
Dave Bradbury Community First 499
Sean Joseph Michael Serridge Labour 515.

HELMSHORE
John McManus Labour 846
Amanda Anne Milling Conservative 1167.

IRWELL
Kevin Alastair Bryan National Front 170
Michelle Smith Labour 620
Peter Steen Conservative 533.

LONGHOLME
Peter Roberts Labour 937
Tony Swain Conservative 879.

STACKSTEADS
Tony Justice English Democrats 144
Christine Lamb Labour 605
Stephen Roger Pickup Conservative 221.

WHITEWELL
Amanda Robertson Labour - uncontested.

WORSLEY
Joyce Thorne Conservative 637
Bob Wilkinson Labour 880.