WESTHOUGHTON has lost a “fantastic councillor” in Labour’s Christopher Peacock, according to a newly elected member of the authority.

Cllr Peacock, the council’s former cabinet member for Adult Services, lost his seat in Westhoughton North and Chew Moor and Tory Zoe Kirk-Robinson triumphed.

Two seats were up for grabs in the ward after the Labour’s Sea Harkin stood down and the party managed to retain the seat with Anne Graham achieving success.

Cllr Graham said the result was “bittersweet”, adding: “I am delighted to have been elected. I think the Conservatives expected to gain two seats in this ward.

“However even though I am happy I have won, it is bitter sweet for me that Chris Peacock has not been re-elected.

“He’s a very good friend and a good councillor, so I’m devastated about that — Westhoughton has lost a fantastic councillor.”