Massive Swing Wins Lib Dems Manchester Seat

Manchester City Council has an opposition group again at last as the Lib Dems won a byelection with a massive swing yesterday.

Lib Dems won Ancoats & Beswick ward from Labour, giving the Lib Dems 2 seats on the council.

The Liberal Democrat share of the vote surged from 22% to 53%, while support for all the other parties fell.

Speaking after the declaration, new Councillor Alan Good said, "Today I have been instructed by the people of Ancoats & Beswick to go to the Council chamber on their behalf, and represent them. I hope I can serve my community well, and make a positive contribution to the credibility of the opposition movement we need in Manchester."

The result in full:

LIB DEM: 53.2% (+31.0) 1,113

LAB: 37.9% (-20.6) 793

GRN: 5.7% (-5.3) 119

CON: 3.2% (-5.2) 66

Votes cast: 2,091

The Liberal Democrats will form the opposition group to a massive 92 member Labour group. Congratulations to new Cllr Alan Good and his team!