CONSERVATIVES took a shock victory in the town as they edged out Labour in Radcliffe North at yesterday's local elections.

The Ward fell to Paul Cropper, who takes the seat from Labour's Susan Lewis by a margin of 441 votes, in one of the biggest upsets of the night.

Mr Cropper put his victory down to "a team effort", adding: "It's a wonderful feeling.

"We suspected it was going well right through the campaign. The majority was higher than I thought.

"We are going to get the potholes filled, and get a new school for Radcliffe."

Labour managed to retain Radcliffe West and East, with victories for Leader of Bury Council, Councillor Rishi Shori, and Councillor Karen Leach.

Cllr Shori said:“I think it has been a very successful evening for Bury Labour.

“People know with Bury Labour they have got strong councillors with a strong majority working hard to improve people’s lives in spite of tough challenges.”

He added: “I’m humbled to be elected for the fourth straight time by the residents of Radcliffe West.

“When I first got elected it was by a margin of nine votes so this has been a significant improvement.

“There is a huge amount of work that is needed in Radcliffe and I am committed to improving the local area, despite the challenges faced as a result of Conservative cuts.”