Labour Party dominates Greater Manchester local elections

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The Labour Party maintained their dominance in Greater Manchester in the local elections, claiming seats from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats across the region.

Both Coalition parties suffered losses, particularly the Lib Dems, who failed to win a single ward for the second year on the bounce, and lost all of their seats in Salford.

Stockport town hall leader Dave Goddard, considered one of the most powerful Lib Dems in Greater Manchester, lost his seat in the hung council to Labour's Laura Booth.

The Tories lost seats to Labour in Rochdale, Tameside, Wigan, Bolton, and Bury, but maintained control of their stronghold Trafford.

Sir Richard Leese, Labour leader of Manchester City Council, told the BBC: "It's the second clean sweep, two years on the trot. "The margins appear to be bigger and I think Manchester people have said they very much want Manchester Labour to continue operating in the city in the way we have been for the last few years."

Meanwhile, Manchester residents voted against the appointment of a directly-elected mayor in their city. The referendum saw 48,593 people vote against the idea, with 42,677 in favour.

Salford voted for an elected mayor for the borough for the first time in its history, but the results will not be calculated until Friday afternoon (4th May).

A total of 215 Greater Manchester wards were contest in the local elections. Labour gained 70 seats across the ten councils, claiming 32 from the Lib Dems and 31 from the Tories.