THE deputy leader of Halton Council has held onto his Hale village seat as the first election results have been declared.

Cllr Mike Wharton received 468 votes after being challenged by Independent Luke Trevaskis, a Hale parish councillor, who came second with 388 votes.

Conservative Ruth Rowan was third with 21 votes.

It is the first time in eight years that Cllr Wharton has faced opposition.

Deputy council leader Cllr Mike Wharton said: “I am absolutely delighted. It is an honour and a privilege to represent Hale.

“I will always do my best for the village where I live.

“I have represented Hale now for 16 years.

“As a village, I hope we can now get back together and work as a community.”

Labour has held onto Appleton, Birchfield, Broadheath, Ditton, Farnworth, Grange, Hale, Halton Brook, Halton Castle, Halton Lea, Halton View, Hough Green, Kingsway,  Mersey,  Norton North and Norton South.

Libdems held onto Heath.