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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Thanks for a second time!
Huddersfield Daily Examiner Thursday 07 Jun 2001 LABOUR candidate Chris McCafferty held on to her seat with a decreased majority in the Calder Valley. She retained the seat which she won from the Conservatives at the 1997 election, but the size of her majority was halved from 6,255 to 3,094. Conservative candidate Sue Catling, in second place, secured 17,150 votes and Liberal Democrat candidate Michael Taylor picked up 7,596 votes. Mrs McCafferty was pleased with her victory and thanked voters for giving her a second term in parliament. She was congratulated by the other candidates and presented with a cake by Legalise Cannabis Alliance candidate Philip Lockwood who came bottom of the poll. About 60 people were involved in the count at the North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax, and the result was announced by returning officer for Calderdale, Paul Sheehan, at 2.20am. Mrs McCafferty said: "I would like to thank my campaign team for the loyal and hard work that they have done over the last six months - they have worked very, very hard for this victory. "Most of all I'd like to thank the people of the Calder Valley for their continuing support." Mrs McCafferty added that all parties should be concerned that fewer people had voted than in 1997. The turnout was 62.98% of the electorate, compared to 74.81% four years ago. But Mrs McCafferty said being re-elected was even more thrilling than when she first won her seat in parliament. "I am delighted, obviously. I am a lot more wide awake than the first time around. "I said the first time I hoped if people put their trust in me I wouldn't let them down. "I hope that is why they voted Labour in this election," she said. Mrs McCafferty said the important issues in the election had been taxation and spending and investment in health and education. "I see my role in the next parliament as ensuring the new Government honours its commitment to put its money into health, education and pensions," she added. Mrs Catling was pleased the Conservatives had shortened the Labour majority and hoped they would regain the seat at the next election. "I am disappointed. I said all along I was campaigning to win. I didn't take on the seat to come a good second," she said. Mrs Catling said the Conservatives fought the best campaign and thanked people for their support. "It is to do with how things are going nationally - it has not been a good night for the Conservatives and we have been unable to claim seats back tonight." She did not want to say whether she would be standing in the future, but added: "This is a natural Conservative constituency - what is going on is a blip. "I think that next time, we will come back in this constituency." Michael Taylor, for the Liberal Democrats, was pleased his party had increased their percentage share of the vote to 16%. "I have found, first of all, that honesty about taxation and public services has been very well received. We campaigned to maintain public services and stop privatisation," he said. He thanked his supporters and said he hoped to stand for the Calder Valley again. "Over the last three weeks I have met some wonderful people and we have gained lots of new supporters," he added. CALDER VALLEY Electorate: 75,298 - Turnout: 62.98% Lab hold **Mrs Christine McCafferty (Labour) 20,244 Mrs Sue Robson-Catling (Conservative) 17,150 Michael Taylor (Liberal Democrat) 7,596 Steve Hutton (Green) 1,034 John Nunn (UK Independent) 729 Philip Lockwood (Legalise Cannabis Alliance) 672 MAJORITY: 3,094 (Comment from Phil Lockwood - "she took the cake home!")
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