Labour wins the Denton NE byelection

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After many weeks hard campaigning Tameside's newest Councillor Denise Ward would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote yesterday, not only those who voted for her, but also to voters for the losing candidates.

Labour won with a massively increased majority (up to 598 from 227).

Considering the difficult political climate at this election - the fact that Denise Ward secured a 6.4% swing to Labour shows that her campaign connected with voters.

Labour's opponents are trying to lessen the impact of this result however one thing is clear - for Labour to win in Denton at this moment in the political cycle shows how, throughout Denton and Tameside, voters are clear it is Labour representatives that deliver daily for local people.

The Result

Tameside MBC, Denton North East

Date: 30/07/2009

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Lab 1,258 (47.8; +2.3%)

Con 660 (25.1; -11.3%)

BNP 358 (13.6; +13.6%)........Did not stand May 2008

UKIP 193 (7.3; +7.3%)...........Did not stand May 2008

Green 164 (6.2; +6.2%).........Did not stand May 2008

LD (0.0; -18.2%)....................Did not stand this election

Majority 598

Turnout 31.5%

Labour hold

(Percentage change is since May 2008)

Latest Labour leaflet being delivered

Denise Ward has spent the last 4 weeks talking to as many people as possible. Along with her team they have knocked on every door in Denton North East at least once.

Her team have also delivered high quality literature setting the case why she should be elected as the next Councillor for Denton North east.

Below is the most recent election leaflet being delivered to targeted homes in the Ward

Polling predicts Labour win in Denton North East

After 4 weeks tireless campaigning, by the Denton Labour team, a poll carried out door to door, by campaign activists, shows that Labour’s local candidate Denise Ward is on course to win this Thursday’s by-election.

BUT ONLY IF LABOUR SUPPORTERS GO TO VOTE.

The battle for who comes in second is heating up with the Tories currently in second place. They tried to paper over the cracks in Tory ranks but it appears voters have seen through the denials and know the Tories are a divided party in Denton.

The BNP in their own words have had a "quite poor" election they now hide behind the claim that they never expected to win in Denton.

Our polling shows they are losing votes and returning to the margins of politics. This, we believe, is as a direct result of the public’s reaction to their leaders call for innocent people to be shot at on the high sea and sunk just for wanting a better life for their family.

Former Denton MP, Andrew Bennett is backing Denise Ward

Andrew Bennett backs Denise

Former Denton MP, Andrew Bennett is backing Denise Ward’s campaign to become the next Councillor for Denton North East.

Andrew who retired in 2005 after 31 years representing Denton, told us when he visited the ward: “I know that the Labour Team works really well here for the residents of Denton. Martin Waring, who died recently, was one of the best, but Denise is a worthy candidate to continue what he started. She is an excellent local candidate, who will make an excellent local councillor.”

I urge you to vote for her on July 30th.

Is calling for the death of innocent civilians extreme?

If calling for the death of innocent civilians is not extreme then we need to redefine what is extreme


The BNP’s national leader Nick Griffin has called for civilian boats carrying immigrants to be targeted, fired upon and sunk.

When challenged by the BBC reporter who said "I don’t think the EU is in the business of murdering people at sea," the BNP leader said in reply, "you could throw them life rafts."

Whatever political views you hold about this great country of ours we are sure you hold the majority view which is that the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent men, women and children has no place in a decent society.

If this is your opinion you will oppose those who hold such obnoxious views and you will oppose the extremist BNP.

Leading Tameside Liberal Democrat joins Labour

Another top local Liberal Democrat, Karen Wright, has formally joined the Denton and Reddish Constituency Labour Party today.

Karen, who represented the Audenshaw Ward on Tameside Council for over a decade has now chosen to become Labour’s newest recruit. She has also held several senior posts in the Liberal Democrats, including Lib Dem leader in Tameside, Constituency Party Chair and Parliamentary Agent for Denton and Reddish.

She is now the second high profile politician in a week to leave the failing Denton and Reddish Liberal Democrat party. First it was Paul Moss - their prospective parliamentary candidate - who tore up his Lib Dem membership, and now Karen Wright has chosen to do the same!

Karen Wright said: “I have been thinking about joining the Labour Party in Denton and Reddish for quite a while. I know how hard they work in our communities throughout Tameside and Stockport.”

“The timing of my move was always going to be difficult. Whilst I've always believed in positive campaigning and have no interest in slating my old party, it has become obvious to me that the Lib Dems in Denton and Reddish have become disorganised and are now showing little sign of understanding what local people need.”

"The choice in Denton is simple; Labour’s Denise Ward, the only candidate who actually lives in the Ward, or a Tory who would support savage cuts to much needed local services. The other parties have no chance including the extremist BNP who will use this election to peddle their programme of hate and division.”

Commenting on Karen’s defection Denton MP Andrew Gwynne said “I admire Karen’s courageous and principled decision to join the Labour Party. She was a formidable political opponent and I know that her vast experience of community-based campaigning will be an asset to the local Labour Team in Denton North East in the by-election. It shows that the real choice for Lib Dems in Denton North East on 30th July is to vote Labour.”

Denton's Great Town Centre

Denton goes from strength to strength as we reap the benefits of all the recent developments.

Denise Ward, local Labour activist, says: “Denton is thriving and really looking good with the new town square, better shopping opportunities and the beautiful park. These new developments have also helped create local jobs and bring prosperity to our town. Thanks to our Labour Council who have encouraged the development and made improvements, Denton is truly on the map. Let me know what you think by posting your comments.”

Labour's latest campaign leaflet

The latest Labour leaflet is already being delivered by the Denton Labour team.


Labour's Denise Ward is a popular local businesswoman with the experience to represent Denton at the highest level.


Since the election was called the only party to present to voters the reasons why they should win this seat is Labour. We will keep up our activity until July 30th - Election day.


Every house in the ward should have received our leaflet by Sunday - at the latest.


See the latest Labour Rose below

Armed Services Day celebrations in Victoria Park - Denton

As a commando, former Labour Cllr Martin Wareing put his life on the line for his Country.

As Denise Ward said "Many Denton residents like Martin put their lives on the line for this Country. They never questioned the service or indeed the sacrifice required. Service, to this Country alone was enough.

Armed Services day is designed just so veterans like Martin can show the pride they have in having served their country with such distinction.

Whether it was service in years gone by or indeed current service in places like Afghanistan or Iraq your Denton North East Labour team have pride in knowing that in Tameside we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans.

Labour's newest recruit - Leading Lib Dem candidate defects to Labour

PAUL MOSS, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Denton and Reddish constituency at the next General Election has spectacularly joined Labour.

Paul Moss said: “The Liberal Democrats talk a good fight, but that’s all it is – talk."

"I have seen how the Lib Dems in Stockport have completely ignored local people and have helped to seriously damage communities like Reddish through their uncaring policies. At the same time, Tameside’s Labour Council have shown how, by working with local residents rather than against them, you can deliver the best services to a community.”

Commenting on the forthcoming Reddish North and Denton North East by-elections, Paul said: “There are two important by-elections in the Denton and Reddish constituency; one in the Tameside part and one in Stockport, both caused by the sad deaths of extremely hard-working Labour Councillors.

I felt I could not campaign under the Lib Dem banner any longer and that is why I am now actively campaigning for Labour’s Denise Ward in Denton and David Wilson in Reddish. They are both firmly rooted in the community and will make excellent Councillors and I urge people to support their campaigns.”

“I’m a local lad, and to have stood for Parliament here would have been an honour, but it is only honourable when you believe in the political platform you are standing on. Having torn with my conscience, I have concluded the Lib Dems do not have the right programme. That’s why I have resigned as the Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Denton and Reddish and have formally joined the Labour Party.”

Labour MP for Denton and Reddish, Andrew Gwynne, said: “I welcome Paul to the Labour Party. Given his commitment to fighting for public services and social justice, Paul is a welcome addition to the Labour Party.”

Labour Campaigners hit the streets of Denton

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With the launch completed activists hit the streets to make sure that the next Councillor for Denton North East is Labour's local choice Denise Ward.

Labour Party launch Denton North East By Election campaign

A huge turnout helped officially launch the Labour Party campaign to retain the Denton North East seat at the by - election on July 30th caused by the death of Councillor Martin Wareing

Activists and Councillors from every part of Tameside welcomed Labour’s local candidate Denise Ward. Denise is a businesswoman who has been a Denton resident for over 30 years

At the launch activists pledged to work hard, just as they did in the successful Newton election, and help her to become the local choice as the next Councillor for Denton North East Ward.

A rousing speech by Andrew Gwynne MP laid out the choice - between Labour’s Denise Ward who, if elected, will become an integral part of the award winning Tameside Labour Council - or the Tories - who would have done nothing to help local people during the current recession.

Indeed with the Tories planned 10% cuts in all council programmes this will see much needed services disappear - such as free travel for the over 60s .

Introducing Denise Ward

Denise has been a resident of Denton for over thirty years, she is a mother and has twin sixteen year old sons. Denise was a governor at St Mary’s School, and is also currently a governor at St Thomas More.

Denise has run her own business in Manchester city centre for the past 24 years and so has a keen understanding of the pressures faced by small businesses.

Denise was instrumental is establishing a local resident’s association and home-watch in her neighbourhood, and is a passionate advocate of the rights of residents.

In her spare time, Denise volunteers at her church for deaf members of the congregation and is also an avid charity fund-raiser.

By-Election called for July 30th

With the By-Election now officially underway Labour activists hit the streets early.

In Tameside the Labour record is one we are keen to defend at every opportunity.

We will talk to local people and remind them that Tameside Labour Council is one of the best Councils in the UK. We deliver award winning quality services and keep council tax low.

At the same time we score high on value for money for local residents

In Denton our town has been transformed due to not only the vision of Labour Councillors but also their ability to get things done in Denton.

Denton Labour team activity No1

A big turnout on the streets of Denton.

The special obituary leaflet commemorating Martin Wareing and his 50 years of service to Denton residents was delivered by the Tameside Labour team over the last week.

Residents who stopped our team for a chat and to talk about Martin had nothing but kind words and fond memories of all he did for local people.

Here we see (L-R) one of the teams led by Denton South community campaigner Claire Francis along with Cllrs George Roberts, Kevin Welsh and Andrew Doubleday.

Tameside Euro election results 2009

Thanks for sticking with Labour.

The 2009 Euro results in Tameside showed how voters appreciate the excellent work your Labour Council does every day. Voters know it is not by chance that Tameside’s Labour Council is one of the best performing councils in the country. Over the last decade - with Labour at the helm - Tameside has been transformed.

Given a clear choice at this election, voters - once again - placed Labour first.

They stuck with Labour in difficult circumstances because they know that even in these unprecedented economic times Tameside Council is helping local businesses and workers find jobs and opportunities through its “works first” programme.

The Tories had privately talked up their chances of unseating Labour however they fell a long way short, coming second.

UKIP came third well ahead of the BNP. (The BNP vote in Tameside actually fell short from its 2004 euro level). As usual the Lib Dems were a long way behind at this election.

The last month has been a testing time for politics of every colour. The outrageous claims of a few MPs have rightly caused anger and dismay among voters.

Many took the opportunity to send the Government a clear message. Reform how parliament operates or pay the price at the next general election. That is a message we endorse.

Voters in Tameside stuck with Labour - for that we are indebted - our pledge to local people is to make sure your faith in Labour continues to be returned in the years to come.

Cllr Roy Oldham - Tameside’s Executive Leader

Tameside’s Executive Leader Cllr Roy Oldham - who was one of Martin Wareings closest friends said:

“I've not just lost a fellow political colleague - I've also lost one of my dearest friends.

Martin was my Aide-de-camp, or my right hand man and for a very good reason - his unswerving support for me and this council as a whole was well known.

He loved Tameside in general and Denton in particular and had the kind of friendly disposition which made him one of the most popular councilors we've ever had.

"I am sure I speak for everyone here when I say he will be deeply missed, an old-school politician who, for me, will be irreplaceable."

Andrew Gwynne MP

Andrew Gwynne MP said

I am extremely saddened to hear Councillor Martin Wareing has passed away. Although he had been very fit and active, in recent weeks he has been battling serious illness.

Martin Wareing’s service to the people of Denton spans no fewer than five decades – in the 1960s and 1970s on Denton Urban District Council, the mid 1970s serving on the then newly formed Greater Manchester Council and from 1979 to 2009 on Tameside Council where he served for many years as Deputy Leader of the Council.

Although originally from Hulme. Martin’s dedication to public service and commitment to his adopted town meant that he could rightly hold with pride the title ‘Mr Denton’.

Recent achievements of his include the new civic square and the redevelopment of the sporting facilities on Stockport Road Playing Fields, which were re-named in Martin’s honour to Martin Fields.

Martin was closely associated with Denton Labour Club since the 1950s, serving for many years as a club director and as a school governor at both Egerton Park High School and Russell Scott Primary School.

It is undisputed that Martin Wareing’s mark has been left on the town for the future and he will be greatly missed by all his friends and comrades in the Denton and Reddish Labour Party.”

Goodbye Mr Denton

It is with deep sadness that Denton North East Labour Party announces the death of long-serving Labour councillor Martin Wareing.

Martin, who was widely known as Mr Denton, was 89, he passed away peacefully at Willow Wood Hospice after a short illness.
He had represented this area as a Labour Party councillor since 1979, Martin leaves behind one daughter.

Before joining Tameside Council he had been a member of Denton Urban District Council from 1956 to 1965 and a representative on the Greater Manchester Council between1974-78.His loyal years representing Tameside brought official recognition in 2003 when he was made Freeman of the Borough- the borough’s most distinguished honour.

The hugely popular councillor wrote: “Young people are our future and I have supported many local youth groups in Denton, including the Denton and Audenshaw Boy Scouts and Girl's Brigades, Girl Guiding UK Greater Manchester specifically for guides in the Tameside area, local cricket clubs and football teams.”

And it was this attitude and approach which brought him his highest accolade when he was awarded an MBE for services to charitable community causes in the Queen's 2003 New Year's honours list.

Martin will be missed not just by his family and his friends - especially Cllr Vincent Ricci who had formed a close bond of friendship with Martin - but also by local people who knew how Martin would work tirelessly for them and always put Denton people first.