LABOUR party members were jubilant at the local elections in Preston after ousting a former member who had defected to the anti-war party Respect.

The all-postal vote on June 10 saw former councillor and portfolio holder for housing, Elaine Abbot, lose her Riversway seat by almost 200 votes to Jack Davenport who at 25 is the council's youngest member.

The turnout in Preston soared from 28 per cent in last year's local election to 43 per cent.

The council remains in no overall control with Labour losing one seat, for a total of 24 seats, the Conservatives gaining one seat, with 18 councillors, and the Liberal Democrats remaining the same with 11 seats. The council also has two Labour Independent members, one Liberal Independent member and a Respect (The Unity Coalition) member.

Mrs Abbot, formerly a Labour heavyweight, said: "I am disappointed to have lost, but I would rather have lost under the banner of Respect, than to have won with Labour."

Council leader and leader of the Labour group in the council, John Collins, said: "We had a good night. We have managed to buck the trend.

The Tories also had reason to celebrate, increasing their share by capturing a seat in Fishwick, a Labour stronghold since 1974.

Sharon Riley became councillor by defeating Ismail Patel, who had represented the area for six years.

"I am absolutely delighted that we won Fishwick, Sharon is Fishwick through and through," said leader of the Conservative group Ken Hudson. We are the only party that has gained a seat on the council."

In the European elections the North West returned three Labour candidates, three Tories, two Liberal Democrats and one UK Independence Party member.