Labour hold Middleton North

Jonathan Burns celebrates his electino as councillor with Middleton MP Jim Dobbin

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Labour Party Candidate Jonathan Burns has been elected Councillor for North Middleton in today's (Thursday 29 November) by-election. However, in a symbolic and damning indictment of local politics the turnout was a paltry 18.2%.

The Lib Dems insisted on a recount but the result was verified, a Labour win.

Results:

• Jonathan Burns
  Labour Party Candidate 
  603 Votes (Elected)
  
  
• Rhoda Morley
  Liberal Democrat Party Candidate
  566 Votes
  
  
• David Harris
  Conservative Party Candidate
  280 Votes

Jonathan Burns becomes the youngest councillor on Rochdale Council. Speaking to Rochdale Online immediately after his victory he said: "It is a fantastic win. It may be difficult at first, not because I'm young, but as a new councillor. I will need to find my feet but I have a good team with me and I have received an amazing wealth of support."

Councillor Burns has lived in Middleton all his life. He attended the Queen Elizabeth School, and went onto Higher Education to achieve qualifications in Media and Television Production, and later, in Youth and Community Work.

He has been actively involved in Middleton for many years, as a Youth and Community worker, volunteer, and as the Director of a well established Community Media Organisation based in the town.

All three candidates commented on the poor turnout.

Rhoda Morley said: "It's been a poor turnout because the interest is waining. This area has been neglected by Labour and that has led to voter apathy."

David Harris, who expected to do better given the recent up-turn in fortunes for the Conservatives nationally, commented: "It was a very disappointing turnout. The weather is one factor but generally I think people are getting disillusioned with government."

Jonathan Burns admitted that there was work to be done in order to attract more voters to the polling stations. He said: "The weather has played a large part, it's been a cold day and this is not a traditional time for an election, hopefully a May election would see the figures improve. There is progress to be made between now and then to connect with the ward members."

The by-election was called following the death of Ian Robertson in September when the Labour Councillor sadly lost his battle with cancer.