Shocks as Tories take Labour held wards

10:30am Friday 2nd May 2008

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THERE were shocks across Dudley as the Tories took control of two Labour held wards.

Mahbur Rahman, who served Netherton, Woodside and St Andrew's ward for eight years, was ousted from his seat by John Davies (Cons) who achieved 1074 votes with a majority of just 30 votes.

Speaking of his defeat, Mr Rahman, who achieved 1044 votes, said: "It has been a privilege to serve the people of Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews since 2000.

"I have worked hard to improve local service provision and I am very proud of my achievements as a councillor.

"I would like to thank all residents of Netherton Woodside and St Andrews for their support. I am sad that I lost the seat with just a few votes."

John Davies also defeated Amanda Mobberley (UKIP) with 623 votes and Tina Kalsi (Lib Dems) with 246 votes.

In Brockmoor and Pensnett first time candidate Susan Greenaway (Cons) won the ward seat with 846 votes and a 69 majority, after former Labour councillor Rosemary Tompkinson stood down after declaring her retirement.

She defeated Qadar Zada (Lab) with 777 votes, Stephen Tracey (BNP) with 508 votes, Julian Mitchell (Ind) with 313 votes and Janice Porter (Lib Dems) with 204 votes.

The newly elected councillor said she was over the moon at the result.

She said: "I am going to work hard to help as many people as possible and do things for them."