Labour win in Hyde Newton by-election

The Hyde Newton by-election was won last night by Labour Party candidate Philip Fitzpatrick.

The by-election was triggered by the death of former councillor Margaret Oldham, who served the ward for 13 years.

And, with a turnout of 32 per cent, the electorate increased the labour majority to 490 votes.

Philip – who has spent most of his life living and working in Newton and whose father Joe Fitzpatrick was a councillor in the ward for 25 years – received 1379 votes, representing 45 per cent of the electorate.

“It’s an honour for me to take Margaret’s seat,” said Philip. “While I was canvassing people spoke so highly of her. But I will do my best to replace her.

“I’m a local lad and I’ll look after them.”

Full results: Peter S Ball-Foster, Liberal Democrats, 172; Philip Fitzpatrick, labour Party, 1379; Rosalind Christella Gauci, British National Party, 889; Angela Louise McManus, UK Independence Party, 33; Nigel Arthur Rolland, Green Party, 69; John Paul Welsh, Conservative Party, 485.


Philip Fitzpatrick (far right) is pictured with (l to r) Labour supporter Jess Leigh, Stalybridge and Hyde MP James Purnell and Coun Kieran Quinn.

Dawn Run

Every vote counts today. Another huge turnout this time at the crack of Dawn by the Labour team.

The work continues

The pride of '45 remains. Brave men and women who defeated fascism and tyranny abroad came home to build better lives. This work continues today.

Vote Labour

Vote Philip Fitzpatrick

David Heyes MP endorses Phil

David Heyes MP joined Phil Fitzpatrick on the campaign trail over the weekend. David who represents the Ashton Constituency came to do his bit for Tameside Labour. Commenting David said, "I have known the Fitzpatricks for many years and I am delighted to be here today supporting Phil in his campaign to be the new councillor for Newton."

Polls open at 7.00am tomorrow and close at 10.00pm

David can be seen in the middle here with Phil Fitzpatrick and James Purnell MP

The final push

Dozens of activists hit the streets of Newton this morning in a final push to get Phil Fitzpatrick elected as the new councillor. With just days to go before polls open a huge effort is being put into getting out the vote.

Phil can be seen here with some of his campaign team.

Warm welcome on home turf

Phil Fitzpatrick got a warm welcome on the streets around his home last night despite the cold weather. Many people had already cast their balllots for Phil by using their postal vote. Phil and the team encouraged as many people as possible to go to the polls next Thursday.

Phil can be seen out and about the Danby Rd area of Newton with James Purnell MP and the Labour team.

Fatherly advice for candidate Philip

When former councillor Joe Fitzpatrick was contacted by a resident in need he was determined to help them out – whatever the problem, whatever the time of day.

For more than 30 years he represented the people of Hyde Newton. And in 2007 he was made an Honorary Alderman of the Borough, in recognition of his commitment to the area.

His son, Labour candidate Philip Fitzpatrick, says that his own strong sense of community spirit and determination to make a difference stems from his father.

And he says that if elected as councillor in the Hyde Newton by-election he will be determined to follow his example.

“He was a good councillor because he cared about people,” said Philip, who is pictured with Joe (centre) and brother Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick (left).

“He wanted to help people and do everything he could for them. If someone rang him up with a problem he would just deal with it – no matter what it was.

“I would like to think that I would act as he would have done; that I would go out and sort problems out.

“And I think I want to do that because I was brought up in a family committed to helping the community.”

Jim, who represents the Hyde Godley ward, said: “I still ask my dad for advice; he has a wealth of experience and knowledge. It was his sense of being able to make a difference that encouraged me to be a councillor.”