LABOUR was almost in for a unanimous victory in the Local Elections until Lowton were decimated by Conservative candidate Kath Houlton.

Pam Gilligan was unable to retain her seat in Lowton East as the Conservatives triumphed with 3,221 votes as opposed to Labour who came in second with 2,579.

Elated Cllr Houlton said the support she had received from Lowton residents "had been absolutely out of this world."

Speaking after her victory Cllr Houlton said: "It has been a really long and hard campaign.

"I thank the residents of Lowton for putting their faith in me and I promise that myself and my team will uphold our promises and will make their faith in us worthwhile."

In response to the Conservatives triumph Labour candidate Pam Gilligan said she will continue to put Lowton people first whether she was a councillor or not.

Another shock result was announced in Atherton after Independent candidate Norman Bradbury failed to hold his seat against Labour's Martin Aldred.

Mr Bradbury received 1,989 while Mr Aldred took the seat with 2,508 Martin Luke Aldred.

In the early stages of the count Mr Bradbury said "it would be a disgrace" if he didn't remain councillor whereas Mr Aldred seemed quietly confident revealing that a lot of people had said they "were tired of Mr Bradbury bullying them to vote for him."

Speaking after the results Mr Bradbury said: "I feel that because of the general election people haven't really thought about who they are voting for.

"Over the past eight years I have done all that I can for the people of Atherton.

"I have improved their railway, I have improved their schools I have improved their community centres.

"I feel very sorry for the people of Atherton now.

"The only saving grace is that we got an MP, Chris Green in Bolton West who will support us."

In his acceptance speech Mr Aldred said: "Thank you to everyone that helped out.

"It just goes to show that an honest and hard work campaign pays off.

"You can belittle your opponent all you want but it is the hard work that shows the results in the end."

In the remaining Leigh wards Labour retained all their seats.

Elected in Atherton- Martin Aldred, in Atherleigh- Mark Aldred, in Leigh West-Myra Whiteside, in Leigh South- John O'brien, in Hindley Green- Frank Carmichael, in Leigh East- Anita Thorpe, in Astley Mosley Common- Christine Roberts, in Golborne Lowton West-Stuart Keane, and in Tyldesley- Stephen Hellier.

Overall turnout across the Wigan Borough was 58.6%.