Election 2007

Dudley Mosque protester Malcolm Davis was "disappointed and upset" after losing his St James's seat in last night's elections.

The UKIP candidate was ousted from his ward by Labour's Mary Roberts in Dudley's shock result of the night after he polled 814 votes, a 22.79 per cent share.

Roberts scored 1,078 votes with a majority of 264.

Davis, who finished runner-up in the polls, had successfully fought against the proposed mosque development in Hall Street in February.

He said: "I'm disappointed and upset. I'm very sad at the moment."

Mary Roberts said: "This is the first time for me and I'm not surprised and pleasantly comforted about the result.

"My success over Malcolm Davis now means there will be a new representative for St James's and I am very keen to work hard for the community and to make it a better, safer and united area."

Returning Labour candidate Ken Finch triumphed in Castle and Priory with 1353 votes, scooping a 681 majority from the voting public, safely ahead of nearest rival Conservative candidate Daryl Millward who scored 672 votes.

Ken joins current councillors Margaret Aston and brother Alan Finch after one of the lowest turned out wards in the borough with only 32.95 per cent of voters wanting to have their say.

Councillor Ken Finch said: "I am delighted with the result.

"I've been in retirement for two years and it has been a misery.

"It's great to be elected back to help the people who need helping.

"I'm joining two excellent councillors, who are the A-team."

Elsewhere Dudley Council Leader David Caunt kept hold of his Sedgley seat scoring a massive 1,967 votes, a 1,040 vote majority.

He said: "I'm pleased with the result, though one never takes anything for granted.

Anne Millward stays in control in Gornal after scooping 1,673 votes with a 419 vote majority.

Karen Jordan (Lab) retained her Brockmoor and Pensnett seat with 969 votes, a 174 majority of the votes.

Rachel Harris (Lab) won another term, retaining in Brierley Hill, with 1,148 votes, a 489 majority.

Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews's Ward saw John Martin win the seat for Labour with 1,040 votes, a 221 vote majority.

David Simms (Cons) retained his Upper Gornal and Woodesetton seat, recording 1,184 votes, a 163 majority.

The St Thomas's seat was won by Labour's John Davies who clocked up 1,534 votes, a crushing 707 vote majority.

Tina While-Cooper won the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood seat for Labour scoring 1,172 votes with a 346 majority.

The British National Party (BNP) were unable to secure any seats in Dudley.