Tory power couple lose out to Labour

The Labour party has taken its first ward from the Conservatives in South Ribble’s local elections.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th May 2015, 19:12 BST

Melvyn and Dorothy Gardner lose to Ian Watkinson and Elizabeth Mawson in Charnock

Dorothy and Melvyn Gardner, who have been councillors in the Charnock ward in Penwortham for 12 years, lost out to newcomers Elizabeth Mawson and Ian Watkinson.

Former mayor Dorothy got 752 votes; her husband Melvyn bagged 689; whilst Labour’s Elizabeth Mawson got 788 and her colleague, Ian Watkinson achieved 824 of the votes.

Dorothy said: “We’re very disappointed. We’ve worked so hard over the years for Charnock.

“I just hope they can continue the good work we’ve done.”

Melvyn added: “It is a shock. I thought we were going to hold on to it,”

South Ribble Ian Watkinson