UK INDEPENDENCE Party winner Steve Povey is setting his sights on the general election.

The oatcake shop owner, pictured, snatched the Leek South seat from Tory Neal Podmore and left veteran Liberal Democrat district councillor John Fisher in third.

The former Leek mayor, who underwent a triple heart bypass operation last year, said: "Contesting the parliamentary seat is something I will have to talk to my membership about, but I have my health to consider.

"There will also be a lot of work because I will now be representing Leek on the town, district and county council.

"This is a great result and shows people are fed-up with party politics."

Businessman Ian Lawson, aged 72, won in his very first election to unseat Labour's Madelaine Lovatt.

The president of the Moorlands Conservative Association said: "I only stood because no-one else was prepared to contest what is traditionally a mining area.

"I decided to give it my best shot and am very surprised to have won."

Ms Lovatt said: "That is what democracy is all about."

Checkley Tory councillor Mike Maryon held onto his Cheadle seat, despite opposition on the doorstep from voters outraged by MP Bill Cash's expenses claims.

He said: "I have encountered a lot of anger."

Former Conservative Bill Day, who now heads the Staffordshire Independent Party, narrowly held onto his Caverswall seat, beating former district council chairman Tony McNicol by 21 votes.

He said: "The support from the people of Werrington brought tears to my eyes."

And Tory Barrie Mycock held onto the Churnet Valley ward for a third time.

He said: "To be returned three times is out of this world."

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