NANTWICH Independent Arthur Moran finds himself in a unique position of strength on Cheshire County Council after his success in Thursday's election.
Cllr Moran swept to victory with a hugely increased majority in a four-cornered fight for the Nantwich seat.
He is the only Independent among the 51 county councillors while the Conservatives retain control by just one.
He said: 'With the balance being so fine now my vote could be crucial on occasions. I certainly feel I will have an improved platform to put the views of Nantwich forward.'
Cllr Moran, pictured, who has represented Nantwich on the county council for the past eight years, won his third election with his greatest ever majority.
He polled 2,478 votes with a majority of 743 over second-placed Barry Woolrich (Con) with 1,735. Third with 1,439 votes was Phillip Swann (Labour) and fourth Philip Wilson (Liberal Democrat) 934.
Cllr Moran's majority at the last election in 2001 was just 19.
He added: 'I think Thursday's vote showed that the public of Nantwich have continued faith in my efforts for the town, and I sincerely thank everyone for their support.
'It was a difficult election with the General Election falling on the same day but I was pleased with the turnout of 63.1% which, to me, showed that people do care about local elections and who represents them.'
Cllr Moran is also a member of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and Nantwich Town Council. He is manufacturing manager at Medica Packaging Ltd, Crewe.
