LIBERAL Democrats are celebrating after winning all three seats in the new Otley and Yeadon ward on Leeds City Council.

Former Lord Mayor Graham Kirkland was in jubilant mood after topping the poll and elected with him were Otley Town councillor Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes from Pool-in-Wharfedale.

But deposed Conservative councillor Nigel Francis, has blamed the recent boundary changes on his party's poor result.

He said: "I am 'shellshocked' by the result. I thought we put a very good campaign forward.

"We put in a lot of work in Yeadon and on the Wrenbecks in Otley. It's absolutely soul-destroying. But with the boundaries as they are it is going to be very difficult for anyone to win.

"I would like to fight it again, but I feel the seat will be unwinable for Conservatives."

Labour candidate John Eveleigh said: "In the light of other results nationwide, I feel we did pretty well.

"Clearly the war in Iraq is still a big issue, the public feel we should not have embarked on it, but hopefully, people will come back to us in the fullness of time."

He added that the boundary changes had created problems for candidates. "It is fairly clear that Otley and Yeadon is going to be a three-way marginal vote for some time.

"We shall certainly re-group and be back in two years to fight the seat."

Coun Kirkland, who lost his seat two years ago, returned with more than 14 per cent of the vote.

He said: "I'm over the moon, I've now got four more years to do the things I want to do."

Coun Kirkland said he was keen to get back on to the West Yorkshire Fire Authority Committee as a council representative and get to grips with issues in Otley and Yeadon.

Coun Campbell said: "It is very nice that all three of us got in, obviously we worked very hard over the year and I feel that has paid off. It will be easier to work with like-minded colleagues."

New councillor Downes, a former Pool Parish Councillor, revealed his hopes. "I want to get a fairer deal for people in Otley and Yeadon. I've got a few ideas, but I shall be consulting with people as to what they want."