Thanks for sticking with Labour.

The 2009 Euro results in Tameside showed how voters appreciate the excellent work your Labour Council does every day. Voters know it is not by chance that Tameside’s Labour Council is one of the best performing councils in the country.

Over the last decade - with Labour at the helm - Tameside has been transformed.

Given a clear choice at this election, voters - once again - placed Labour first.

They stuck with Labour in difficult circumstances because they know that even in these unprecedented economic times Tameside Council is helping local businesses and workers find jobs and opportunities through its “works first” programme.

The Tories had privately talked up their chances of unseating Labour however they fell a long way short, coming second.

UKIP came third well ahead of the BNP. (The BNP vote in Tameside actually fell short from its 2004 euro level). As usual the Lib Dems were a long way behind at this election.

The last month has been a testing time for politics of every colour. The outrageous claims of a few MPs have rightly caused anger and dismay among voters. Many took the opportunity to send the Government a clear message. Reform how parliament operates or pay the price at the next general election. That is a message we endorse.

Voters in Tameside stuck with Labour - for that we are indebted - our pledge to local people is to make sure your faith in Labour continues to be returned in the years to come.