IT WAS "blue murder" in Blackburn as Tories paid the price of the national backlash with the shock sacrifice of their leader and deputy leader.

Labour kept all the 11 seats it defended and snatched three Tory seats to strengthen its majority to 27 on the 60-seat council.

Liberal Democrats managed to hold the two seats they defended, including that of their leader Coun Paul Browne in Darwen Sudell ward.

Conservative leader Don Heatlie-Jackson was soundly beaten after 12 years service in Darwen Earcroft ward by Labour's Harold White, who is also a Lancashire county councillor.

And in Marsh House, Darwen, deputy leader Fred Slater lost out to Labour newcomer Devena Paterson, while his colleague, Arthur Hutchinson, was beaten by Labour candidate Maureen Rishton in Moorgate.

The Moorgate result makes it a double for the Rishtons, for husband Don is already a Blackburn councillor, representing Bank Top. With low turnouts in many wards, Mr Heatlie-Jackson blamed public and national politics for Tory losses.

"I think it is sad when a councillor with 12 years' experience is turned out," he said.

"But I am pleased Coun Maureen McGarvey has returned to the council with a seat in Revidge ward, and that we have a new, councillor, Michael Lee in Billinge."

At 35, Coun Lee will be one of the youngest of the remaining dozen Conservative councillors who will be meeting soon to elect a new leader and deputy.

Jubilant Labour leader Coun Malcolm Doherty said the results were a reflection of the situation both nationally and locally.

"The Darwen end of the borough has done a good job in getting Earcroft and Marsh House," he said.

"People are certainly disillusioned with the Government, but we have been seeing that for a long time.

"They have shown us what they think locally, and I hope it will not be long before they have a chance to show it nationally with a general election."

The Greens, who had fielded three candidates, failed to win any seats.

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