Andy Verdeille basks in warm glow of rival's defeat on strong night for Labour in Stockport

By Sam Cordon, Sophia Rahman & Kevin Benson

Councillor Andy Verdeille, leader of Stockport’s Labour Party, was in triumphant mood as he celebrated the toppling of his Liberal Democrat rival.

Cllr Verdeille watched from the back of the council chamber as Laura Booth stole Offerton by just 45 seats from Dave Goddard to the sound of cheers from across all the parties.

Making his way out of the chamber to resounding applause, Cllr Andy Verdielle stopped to speak to speak exclusively to MM.

He said: “Labour’s had a fabulous night tonight – we’ve knocked the leader of the council off his seat.

“We’ve taken over Davenport and Cale Green from the Lib Dems, we’ve taken Heatons North from the Conservatives and won back Brinnington from the Independent.

“All in all we are the party who have made the most tonight in Stockport.  We are making very steady progress and in two years time we’ll be the largest party in the country and we will take control.”

Chris Walker had held the Brinnington seat for the Liberal Democrats since 2008 but chose to defect from the party in 2011 to become an Independent.

The Labour party ended with 21 seats, with the Lib Dems on 28, while the Conservatives gained ten and the Independent Ratepayers picked up three and People Matter picking up a solitary seat.

However, with no clear winner, a new coalition deal needs to be struck as the Liberal Democrats and Independent Ratepayers will not be able to secure a majority.

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