John Leech has won a hard fought campaign in the 2010 general election, in which he dedicated his victory to the voters who put their faith in him. John received 20,110 votes, almost a quarter more than in 2005 and trebled his majority to 1850.
John Leech told MEN news, "Gordon Brown has brought the economy to its knees and Manchester Withington needs an MP who will fight to protect local services.We've worked to do that over the past five years and I think people appreciate that."
Meanwhile in the local elections, Lib Dem candidates were returned in 6 out of the 7 wards in the constituency - all with big majorities. Old faces returned were Mark Clayton in Didsbury West, Norman Lewis in Chorlton Park and Simon Wheale in Withington. Bill Fisher replaces Rodney Isherwood in Burnage and Andy Taylor replaces Tony Parkinson in Didsbury East.
Lib Dems made a gain in Chorlton, with Victor Chamberlain becoming one of the youngest councillors ever to sit in Town Hall. Rob Mackle also came very close in Old Moat Ward, securing the best Lib Dem result in decades with 2216 votes.
John Leech said, "Congratulations to all Lib Dem candidates who I will continue to work with to get the best deal for South Manchester in these tough economic times. Next time let's hope its a magnificent seven!"
You can find the local election results here: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/362/elections/4699/local_election_results_2010
RESULTS IN FULL:
Liberal Democrat 20,110 44.6 +2.4
Lucy Powell
Labour 18,260 40.5 -0.4
Christopher Green
Conservative 5,005 11.1 +0.7
Brian Candeland
Green 798 1.8 -2.5
Bob Gutfreund-Walmsley
UK Independence Party 698 1.5 +0.4
Yasmin Zalzala
Independent 147 0.3 +0.3
Marcus Farmer
Independent 57 0.1 +0.1
Majority 1,850 4.1
Turnout 45,075 62.2 +6.8
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