Liberal Democrats celebrated return of former council leader Dave Goddard in Offerton but suffered the shock loss of deputy council leader Mark Weldon in Stepping Hill.

Just hours after securing their first council seats in Greater Manchester with victories in Bolton, UKIP snatched two more in Oldham to send shockwaves through the three main political parties.

Cllr Howard Sykes for Shaw Ward made his shocking comments as votes were counted at Queen Elizabeth Hall on West Street.

Standish Independent candidate Debbie Fairhurst swept to victory and will work alongside her spouse Gareth Fairhurst.

Also holding a seat in the Standish and Langley ward is Gareth’s father George Fairhurst.

Labour control 23 of 25 seats

UKIP gave Labour a scare across many of Bolton’s hotly-contested seats – placing a second 12 times.

However Labour retained control with 40 seats, Tories 15, Lib Dems three and finally UKIP’s two.