Lancashire County Council 2021 election results: Reaction from Preston Labour, Lib Dems and Conservatives as Tories retain power at County Hall

County Hall in Fishergate Pic: Tony Worrall

The overall results for the Lancashire County Council election gave Tories continued reign over County Hall as they crossed the majority 43 threshold with a total of 48 seats overall.

Labour followed with 32 seats to remain the official opposition as both the Green Party and Liberal Democrats took two seats each.

Blog Preston spoke to representatives from Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat for their reaction to today’s results in the Preston divisions of the Lancashire County Council elections.

Sue Whittam, leader of Preston Tory Party said: “The elections have gone absolutely brilliantly for us, especially locally, we’ve got 2 seats back and we’re now the main opposition party. Also county-wise we’re hoping to keep hold of county council and we’ve got some really good candidates. Councillor Ron Woollam and myself have both been elected today and we’re really really pleased.

“We got some really good, positive vibes from the streets so we thought we were in but we never take anything for granted. We worked hard and we will continue to work hard for our residents.”

Matthew Brown, Preston Labour Party leader said: “It’s gone pretty well, retaining all the 6 Labour county divisions is an achievement so very pleased about it, again it just seems we’re going to be short in terms of the Labour taking the county council and denying the Conservatives the majority and for me that’s really sad and it’s sad for the people of Lancashire as I don’t believe the Conservatives will look after the working people of Lancashire the same way that we would do under Lancashire county council as our ally.

“In Preston we have a very strong policy agenda but I think Labour needs to have a very clear direction, it’s not just about presenting yourself in a certain way there’s got to be something that really resonates with people and you’ve also got to try and inspire people with a message that the policies will transform your lives. So your lives will get significantly better if you vote for us. I don’t feel that was particularly clear during this campaign really, but obviously a new leader nationally and I’m sure he will be taking on board these results and how we can really resonate with people out there.”

Preston City Council’s leader Matthew Brown will now also serve as a county councillor

Preston Lib Dem Councillor, John Potter “It was very tense for me, up until the last few minutes I thought I’d lost. In the end it was one of the few areas where the UKIP vote didn’t transfer to the Tories and I believe or not kept the exact same percentage as what I got last time. So I’m over the moon that we kept our county seat in Preston. I’m going to have a stiff drink and relax for the weekend. The Tories had their natural surge which they have had all over the country particularly in Northern seats, but I am over the moon, I’m delighted.”

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