FORMER Conservative MP Shaun Woodward, controversially selected as Labour's candidate for St Helens South, held on to the traditional socialist stronghold, but with a vastly reduced majority.
The former member for Witney in Oxfordshire, having succeeded Douglas Hurd in 1997, polled 16,799 votes, giving him a majority over Liberal Democrat Brian Spencer of 8,985.
In the 1997 election, retiring MP Gerry Bermingham polled 30,367 votes, a majority of 23,737 over his nearest rival, Conservative Mary Russell.
Result
St Helens South
Winner: Shaun Woodward (Lab) 16,799
Brian Spencer (Lib Dem) 7,814
Lee Rotherham (Con) 4,675
Neil Thompson (Soc All) 2,325
Mike Perry (Soc Lab) 1,504
Bryan Slater (UK Ind) 336
Mick Murphy (Ind) 271
David Braid (Ind) 80
Labour hold
Majority: 8,985
Percentage Poll: 51.65%
Meanwhile, in St Helens North, Dave Watts held on to the seat for Labour, but with a reduced majority following a low turn-out.
The former St Helens Council leader, who won the seat in 1997 with 31,953 votes-- a majority of 23,417 over Conservative, Pelham Walker -- this time polled 22,977.
That gave him a majority of 15,901 over Tory candidate Simon Pearce, with Liberal Democrat, John Beirne again finishing third.
Result
St Helens North
Winner: Dave Watts (Lab) 22,977
Simon Pearce (Con) 7,076
John Beirne (Lib Dem) 6,609
Stephen Whatham (Soc Lab) 939
Labour hold
Majority: 15,901
Percentage poll: 52%
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