THE leader of Wirral's Labour group has called for a fairer deal for the borough after retaining his seat in Claughton.

Steve Foulkes won the Claughton ward vote with a majority of 2,613 votes.

The result is as follows: Cathy Page, Green Party: 197. Barbara Vera Sinclair, Conservative: 952. Bethan Mary Williams, UK Indepedence: 265.

Roy Wood, Liberal Democrat: 308. Voter turnout: 38 per cent.

Celebrating the win, Cllr Foulkes told the Globe: "The message from Wirral people is that they don't particularly like this coalition administration, cobbled together on the back of a national coalition which is deeply unpopular.

"They've tried to follow suit, locally, and local politics isn't about doing what you're told nationally all the time.

"It's about standing up for Wirral. Our message was that the people of Wirral need protecting against this savagery against public services.

"They have sought solace and sought comfort from the fact that at least the Labour councillors will stand up to anybody who attacks Wirral.

"These people have shown cowardice in the face of their Government and not even attempted to re-negotiate a decent settlement.

"If we can form an administration our first port of call will be our main benefactor, that is Her Majesty's Government.

"We will be going down, hopefully, with an all-party politic group, to say we want a fairer deal for Wirral.

"We're sick of the North, particularly, Merseyside, being picked on for cuts.

"The message has got through loud and clear; this coalition has failed the people of Wirral."