THE GLOVES are off for local party leaders who are all facing re-election for the first time.

Blackburn Borough councillors are busy pounding the streets drumming up support for May 2nd's crucial local elections.

With unitary authority status now bestowed on the council, it will be an important time for all three leaders who have fought long and hard to win approval from the Local Government Commission.

"If any of us don't get re-elected, I suppose it would be sad considering our efforts to win unitary status," said Liberal leader, councillor Paul Browne, who is fighting to retain his Sudell ward seat in Darwen.

The leader of Blackburn council, councillor Malcolm Doherty, has been campaigning for weeks to help secure a 16th year representing his native Mill Hill.

Councillor Doherty is fighting to win a marginal seat where the prospective Conservative candidate, Bernard Gavin, will be looking to overturn last year's 98 majority. Coincidentally, May 2 is also Malcolm Doherty's birthday.

"It would be a wonderful present," he admitted. "The butterflies really start up in the last week before the election. But the current resentment of Conservative government will prove the winning formula for us."

Conservative leader, Councillor Donald Heatlie-Jackson, is hopeful local residents will vote him in for his 13th year on the council.

The Earcroft ward councillor is predicting another convincing victory like last year.

"I've had a good response so far and am sure of retaining my seat," he said. "We stand for quality candidates and not their quantity. The M65 cuts right across my land so I know first hand how a lot of Earcroft residents are feeling. I share their experience and they know I care."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.