Garth Harkness (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2012)
Despite a decline in support for the Liberal Democrats nationally Saddleworth bucked the trend returning Garth Harkness in Saddleworth North and Val Sedgwick in Saddleworth West and Lees.
Garth Harkness beat his nearest challenger, Indepenedent Nicola Kirkham by 57 votes. The Lib Dems can take some comfort from this result considering that their candidate in Edinburgh received fewer votes than a climate activist standing as an intergalactic penguin.
Councillor Harkness said, “I want to continue to support residents and groups in Saddleworth North and am looking forward to the challenge.”
Stuart Coleman, chairman of the Diggle Community Association said to Garth, “We are looking forward to your contribution and support with issues facing Diggle. It will be great to have you on-board.”
Results of the Saddleworth North elections Thursday 3rd May 2012
Gareth Harkness (Lib Dem) 898
Nicola Kirkham ( Independent) 842
Phil Sewell (Conservative) 535
Imran Yousaf (Labour) 445
The turnout of 35.87% was higher than the nation average.
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