Southport – Lib Dem hold – John Pugh (LD) 21,707, Brenda Porter (Con) 15,683, Jim Conalty (Lab) 4116, Terry Durrance (UKIP) 4116.
Lib Dem majority 6,024.
Dr John Pugh, who held Southport, is the first Liberal Democrat to score a hat-trick in the town having won in 2001 with 18,011, and 2005 with 19,093. There was a 5 per cent increase in the turnout at 65.37% against 60.6% in 2005.
“People in Southport are ready for a new type of politics and are leading the way,” said Dr Pugh after the declaration. “I am grateful for the confidence they have given me. What we have learnt in Southport is that big money politics is not the way. Campaigning vigorously is what works in politics. Southport has reasserted the Liberal drive that goes back to 1910 and before.”
Southport Conservative Councillor Brenda Porter told Clickliverpool that she was ‘naturally disappointed’ not to have won. However she was happy that her party was doing well nationally. “I believe that people want change and David Cameron is the only person to give them this. However, I wish to thank all those who supported me. I have made a lot of really good friends throughout the campaign.”
Jacqui, Southport around 2 years ago