Mother and son election results

10:56am Friday 2nd May 2008

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THERE were highs and lows for one Labour family as a mother and son both vied for seats in Dudley wards.

Margaret Aston (Lab) was handed an early birthday present as she retained her seat in Castle and Priory ward.

Margaret who turns 60 on Sunday achieved 1089 votes with a 92 majority, ahead of nearest rival Daryl Millward (Cons) with 997 votes. She also defeated Diane Sankey (BNP) with 495 votes, Garry Butler (UKIP) with 257 votes and Lorna Simpson (Lib Dems) with 249 votes.

The returning councillor said: "I'm very happy to carry on working with Alan and Ken Finch.

"I'm now serving my ninth year and I will just carry on working hard for the Castle and Priory."

However celebrations were slightly marred by the defeat of her 26-year-old son Adam, who stood for Labour in the Tory stronghold of Upper Gornal and Woodsetton.

Adam, a technician with West Midlands Ambulance, came second with 1092 votes.

The seat was retained by Julian Ryder (Cons) who won with 1574 votes, a 482 majority. Also standing was Kevin Inman (BNP) who received 870 votes.

Cllr Ryder pledged to carry on improving the area for the residents and to cut down on anti social behaviour. He also thanked his two rival candidates, who he said "put up a good show and campaign".