Conservative candidate Gary Robertson believes the Liberal Democrats could mount a serious challenge to Labour in Knowsley South  -  citing the latest poll result as evidence.

The Prescot by-election was held last week (Jan 4th) following the death of Councillor Eric Byron last year.  Liberal Democrat candidate Mike Wynn secured 428 votes, a majority of 157.  Labour candidate George Hayward gained 271 votes, while Gary Robertson polled 84.  There was a turnout of 17.49% with a total of 783 people going to the polls.

Mr Robertson said: "This result should serve as a warning to Eddie O'Hara as it appears the Liberal Democrats are building a greater support base in this area.  He will probably be re-elected at the next election, but I suspect it will be with a greatly reduced majority.  Maybe now he will have to pay more attention to his constituents as up to now he has promised so much but delivered so little."

Mr Robertson was delighted with the performance of his own party in an area which the Conservatives traditionally struggle. 

He said: "I am pleased with the Tory vote, which is our best performance in this area for a number of years.

The winner of the Prescot by-election, Mike Wynn, 54, is a coach driver and is married to Frances, 51, and has a 19-year-old daughter Sarah.

He said: "I am obviously very pleased that local people have voted so positively for the Liberal Democrats.  I would like to thank everyone who voted for me for their support which allowed me to secure 55% of the vote."

Cllr Wynn also backed Gary Robertson's view that the Liberal Democrats will threaten Eddie O'Hara's majority in the next election.  He said: "We are now a force to be reckoned with in Knowsley.  We have a candidate in place to fight the General Election.  I am sure Dave Smithson will give Eddie a run for his money."

Cllr Smithson said: "Eddie O'Hara has one of the safest seats in the country, but we are quietly confident of pulling off what would be a major shock.  We have put in a lot of hard work in the Knowsley area and this has been reflected in recent local election results.

"I would like to think that the support we have received in these elections will also be apparent in a General Election."

Mr O'Hara was unavailable for comment this week.