For Darwen party under pressure

Critics have rounded on the For Darwen Party after it finished last in each of the six wards it contested in last week’s poll, claiming its “bubble has burst”.

But leader Tony Melia insisted its vote had been squeezed by the General Election taking place at the same time, meaning polling day was dominated by the three main parties.

He said: “We thought we would get marginalised during a General Election, and that’s what happened.

“We will get together now and regroup. I was disappointed by the result, but it wasn’t unexpected.

“I have looked at the picture in other parts of the country, and some small parties have been wiped out.”

Coun Melia also stood in the General Election, representing the Impact Party in Rossendale and Darwen.

For Darwen was founded in 2007 and has picked up a number of scalps in local elections, joining forces with the Tories and Lib Dems to keep Labour out of control. It currently has five councillors and next year will be defending seats for the first time.

Sudell Lib Dem Roy Davies claimed people were becoming disillusioned with Darwen Town Council, one of For Darwen’s key pledges.

He said: “The bubble has completely burst, the reality has come home, and For Darwen has collapsed. They didn’t gain one seat. People are getting rate bills and starting asking whether they want a town council.”

Labour’s Dave Smith, who won back a seat in Sunnyhurst after being ousted by For Darwen two years ago, said: “They are going to find it very difficult from now on. People have just seen through what they have been putting out.”

But Fernhurst Tory John Slater was more sympathetic, saying it was impossible to judge a small party’s performance based on a poll taken on General Election day.

All parties are currently in talks following Friday’s local election count, and Coun Melia did not rule out leaving the coalition, insisting: “Everything is up in the air at the moment.”