THERE was an overwhelming victory for Labour when Westhoughton High School held a mock election.

The party's 'candidate' Beverley Carter polled 373 votes (54.05 per cent) with the Conservatives, represented by Laura Taylor in second place with 193 votes. Trailing in third was Michael Westwell with 119 votes for the Liberal Democrats.

Last week the three parliamentary candidates for Bolton West, Tom Sackville (Con), Ruth Kelly (Lab) and Barbara Ronson(Lib/Dem) popped into school to lend their support to the pupils' campaigns.

During the campaign, opinion polls were held to monitor students' views and the changing popularity of the parties. Candidates and their supporters went round school speaking to voters at assembly times, break times and lunchtimes and posters were displayed all round the school as the campaign got into full swing.

Candidates also took part in a head to head debate, answering questions put by other pupils, with voting taking place the following day.

All students and staff were given the chance to vote, and on the big day itself there was a good turn-out of 77.18 per cent.

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