Labour takes Bury Council after drawing lots

Date published: 06 May 2011

Labour have won outright control of Bury Council after the final ward was decided by drawing straws.

The final result has just been declared for Ramsbottom when, after three recounts, Labour and Conservative posted the same number of votes. The two candidates then drew straws, with the Labour candidate drawing the longest one to gain an extra vote and win the seat.

That result meant that Labour won six seats at the local elections, three from the Conservatives and three from the Lib Dems.

The new balance on Bury Council is: Labour 26 seats, Conservatives 20 and Lib Dems 5.

The turnout was 40%, compared to last year’s 65% which co-incided with the General Election.

The full election results can be viewed online here:

http://www.buryfocus.co.uk/news-features/elections/election-results/18