Liberal Democrats gain in Peartree as Labour slump everywhere

12.34.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd May 2008

There is now a Plastics Recycling point in Peartree after LibDems spent years campaigning for plastics recycling.

Liberal Democrats were celebrating taking 2 of the 3 seats in Peartree, the first time ever that Labour has not been the winning party there. Malcolm Cowan, (already a county councillor) and Louise Lotz, defeated longstanding Labour councillor Jacqui Russell and newcomer Dean Milliken. Frank Marsh, the third LibDem candidate, who lost in 2006 by just 6 votes, was once again unlucky, finishing just 10 votes short of Labour's Steve Roberts.

Malcolm said; 'Having represented Peartree and Handside on the county council, it is pleasing to see my effort for local people rewarded. Clearly our demand that the council changes its plans for Broadwater Rd to include a swimming pool was welcomed.'

LibDems were disappointed to lose an outstanding Liberal Democrat Councillor, Nigel Quinton, from Handside in a controversial defeat marred by heavy negative campaigning by the Conservatives. His colleague Tony Skottowe, LibDem leader on the council, retained his seat. The third Liberal Democrat Candidate in Handside, Adam Neal, gained a very creditable result.

Sitting LibDem councillor Hazel Laming lost her seat in Hatfield as boundary changes split her ward in two. Hazel Laming has served Hatfield on both town and Borough Council for many years, and has been respected on both sides of the political divide.

Labour also lost seats in Hollybush, Haldens and Hatfield South, to leave them with just 5 seats. The Liberal Democrats retain their overall standing of three seats on the borough council.