Labour by-election victory

Roy Wilson won the Fairburn with Brotherton ward for Labour, amassing 80 per cent of the vote following a 26 per cent turn-out.

A delighted Selby MP John Grogan responded today by saying: "I think this sets up very nicely for the forthcoming general election."

Coun Wilson, who resigned from the district council 18 months ago, now returns to Selby Civic Centre after collecting 239 votes.

His opponent, Conservative Keith Bradley, collected 59 votes.

The by-election was called following the death of Labour councillor Geoff Lynch, who died suddenly in hospital last November following an operation for a stomach abscess.

The result ensures the continued domination of Labour on the district council with the party holding 20 of the 41 seats.

Coun Wilson, who is also chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, said the result was not only crucial for Labour on the district council, but was also an encouraging indicator for the forthcoming general election.

Speaking at his home in Fairburn, Coun Wilson said: "I was very heartened by the large majority. It's also a significant swing which bodes well for John Grogan in the general election.

"It sends out a very strong message and Mr Grogan can take great comfort from this result."

Coun Wilson said he had decided to stand for Fairburn out of respect for Coun Lynch, who had represented the ward for more than 30 years.

He said: "I am a local candidate and I fought on local issues such as a new school for Brotherton, a new village hall for Fairburn, and cleaner streets.

"My opponent does not live in the area, which I think played a part."

A governor at Fairburn Primary School and a former Fairburn parish councillor, Coun Wilson plans to stand down from the county council in May after 20 years service.

Conservative candidate Mr Bradley, 66, who lives in Kirk Smeaton, is chairman of the Osgoldcross branch of the Selby Conservative Association.

He was unavailable for comment today.

Updated: 14:52 Friday, January 26, 2001