Tories 21, Labour 14, Lib Dems 0

North Warwickshire goes Blue

For the first time since it’s creation in 1974 the electors returned a Tory majority in North Warwickshire Borough . The Conservative party now have a working majority of 7 councillors.

Their victory came mostly at the cost of the Lib Dems who were wiped out with all three of their councillors losing their seats. Former Lib Dem Mayor, Richard Meredith, the leader of the group Bill Powell and local business man Dave Milligan were all rejected by the electorate.

There was a shock result for Tory Richard Freer despite his party taking overall control, he lost his seat in Atherstone Central. This blow was softened somewhat by the victory of his wife Lorraine in Atherstone South and Mancetter.

Labour stalwart Ray Sweet held on to his seat in Baddesley with a convincing majority together with John Moore.

Local MP Mike O’Brien when speaking to the Recorder put on a brave face despite the overall Tory result, “I am delighted,” he said, “To have three Labour Borough Councillors in Atherstone .”

Newly elected Labour Councillor Lorna Dirvicks praised her party supporters for their team effort in the election, adding, “I was amazed to be elected.” and she thanked Atherstone North Labour winner Anne Forewood for her advice in the campaign.

Former Mayor Derek Pickard made his return to the Borough chamber by a slim majority to his nearest Tory rival, Martin Shaw, of only 25 votes.