Green Party take seat from Tories in Burnley local elections

The Council make-up has remained relatively unchanged after Thursday's vote, however the Greens managed to gain one more seat, pulling off a surprise victory over the Conservatives.

Jack Launer was the name on everyone’s lips at St Peter's Leisure Centre in Burnley after he was the only candidate to give their party a gain in the election count on Friday, becoming the sixth Green Councillor in the borough.

Cllr Launer beat the Tory incumbent Ivor Emo by just 11 votes, 892 to 881, to claim victory in Cliviger and Worsthorne; making him the ward's second Green Cllr.

Mr Emo has lost his seat after serving just one term as a Councillor.

Cllr Launer said: "It took a lot of hard work and determination. I am very proud.

Counting took place at St Peter's Leisure Centre in the town centre

“I think the key was going to speak to people; it isn't about social media, it is about talking face to face with people.

“I will now be working alongside my colleague Scott Cunliffe, leader of the Green Party for Burnley, in the ward to represent our constituents’ concerns.”

Also serving in the ward is Conservative Cllr Cosima Towneley, deputy mayor of the borough.

Losing his seat in the ward was Conservative Ivor Emo who has held the seat for four years, acting as the executive member for Housing and Leisure during his first year on the council.

Ivor Emo has lost his seat on Cliviger with Worsthorne ward. Photo credit: Burnley Council

Ivor said: “I am disappointed, especially that it was just 11 votes between me and the Greens but it is up to the electorate to say who they want.

“I will keep working for the community and doing what I can for them.”

The council has been managed by a coalition between Labour and the Liberal Democrats; both parties managed to hold all their seats but were unable to make any gains.

Labour leader Afrasiab Anwar said: “I think for us at a local level we are pleased.

“We are a little disappointed that we didn’t make any gains but we did defend all of our Labour seats.”

The Labour party celebrating after holding all their seats in Burnley council

It is possible Labour and Liberal Democrats will again form a coalition to make a majority in the chamber.

Concern was raised in the lead up to the election as to how well the Conservative party would perform following controversy in Westminster such as the Partygate and the response to the cost-of-living crisis.

Despite this, the party managed to hold onto four of their five seats which were up for grabs.

Taking up a Tory seat for the first time, Jamie McGowan will be a councillor in the Hapton with Park ward, taking over from Tom Commis who was moved to the Lanehead ward, where he lost to Labour.

The Conservative party including new councillor Jamie McGowan (R front) and MP Anthony Higginbotham

Jamie said: “It’s my first time, I am very happy and very excited to be elected.

“I am very thankful to the residents and my message was simple to the residents of Hapton with Park.

“I promise I would get the council to work with them rather than the other way around.”

Burnley and Padiham Independents also kept hold of all of their seats.