“I won’t let you down!” That was the promise of Denton South Labour councillor George Newton after being re-elected with an increased majority in last Thursday’s elections.
“Thank you Denton South for putting your faith in me for a second term,” he stated after his hard-working campaign clearly paid off.
But although he saw his number and share of votes increase, it was Conservative candidate Timothy Cho who almost stole the headlines.
Not because he recorded a 4.6 per cent swing to the Conservatives from Labour compared to 2019’s local election results, but because of his remarkable background story to come to the UK - and ultimately stand in the elections.
For as revealed in his profile published two weeks ago, he had escaped from North Korea to make it all the way to the UK to build a new life.
So although he didn’t win, he was still full of praise for being able to take part in the democratic process, highlighting its importance and saying he had enjoyed the experience.
“I escaped from North Korea and lived in the life of darkness, so I can understand what it means to be a democratic candidate living in this country,” he told us.
“I am grateful and even though I haven’t won, I am not stopping and will continue challenging as we need the democratic checks and balances - that’s what Tameside and all local and national government needs.”
He added: “Thank you to the 689 voters who voted for me. It’s a humble experience I couldn’t think of in North Korea. Once again many thanks to the democratic constitutional rule of law - many people gave their lives for our freedoms.”
Timothy Cho grateful for his voters.
Cllr Newton saw his share of the vote increase from 50.1 per cent in 2016 to 64.5 per cent this time.
He stated: “Thank you to the residents of Haughton Green, Yew Tree and South Denton who have put their faith in me to be their elected representative for a second term.
“There is no greater privilege to serve the community I love. Thank you to my opponents for running fair campaigns on issues, not personalities - I genuinely do believe that we have more in common than that which divides us.
“The result is testament to the work that Team Denton South does across the community all year round.
“Thank you to my brilliant ward colleagues Claire and Jack and a huge thank you to my family and friends for their help, support and guidance.
“In Denton South, we’ve really bucked the trend. In 2014, our majority was 75. Yesterday, we got our highest ever vote outside of a General Election!”
The Green’s Ben Lord was third with 140 votes and Reform UK’s Lesley Kaya recorded 98 votes.
Denton West Labour councillor George Jones - first elected in 2018 - comfortably retained his seat on Tameside Council in last week’s elections.
“It’s an honour to have been re-elected as a councillor for Denton West,” he stated.
“I’m so grateful for the support that this community has shown me over the last year and half. I promise I will continue to work hard and always put the interests of our community first in the years ahead.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to my colleagues, Cllr Brenda Warrington and Cllr Mike Smith as well as to my friends and family.”
He polled 2,022 votes - a 62.2 per cent share of the vote.
Thomas Dunne for the Conservatives polled 973 votes, with Jean Smee for the Greens recording 231 votes.
Former Civic Mayor of Tameside and long-serving Labour councillor Denise Ward ensured a clean sweep for her party across Denton when she retained her seat.
She stated: “I would like to thank the lovely people of Denton North East for having put their faith and trust in me at the ballot box.
“Special thanks to my wonderful husband David McNally, my agent Vincent Ricci and my work colleagues and friends, Andrew Gwynne MP and his lovely wife Allison, very much appreciated.”
The councillor polled more than a 58 per cent share of the vote with 1,487, with Dawn Cobb for the Conservatives taking 840 votes and finishing second and John Bradley from the Greens polling 216 votes.
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