A new councillor for Saddleworth West and Lees has pledged to put local residents first and "get the basics right" after winning his seat in the Oldham Council elections.

Peter Klonowski, standing for Reform UK, defeated the Liberal Democrat incumbent Alicia Marland in the 7 May poll by a majority of 172 votes. In his first remarks after the result, he said his priority would be representing the people on his doorstep rather than any wider political agenda.

"Above all, that means putting Oldham people first," he said. "I am an Oldham councillor, not one for the rest of the UK or the world."

Mr Klonowski praised the conduct of the campaign in Saddleworth West and Lees, describing it as fairly fought by all parties. He said he enjoyed meeting residents while delivering leaflets and canvassing, and noted that interactions with voters were "peaceful and courteous" in the tradition of a local English election.

"Even those who disagreed with me did so in a robust but respectful way, for which I thank them," he added.

He said the overriding message from voters was a "clear desire for change", adding: "Many feel the main established parties no longer listen to them, either nationally or locally. Reform now has the opportunity to start delivering that change here in Saddleworth West and Lees."

Mr Klonowski's victory was one of 13 successes for Reform UK across Oldham on election night. In Saddleworth North, the party also took a seat, with Ioan Williams winning the ward from the Liberal Democrats. Meanwhile, Reform candidate Chris McManus came within just two votes of unseating Liberal Democrat Helen Bishop in Saddleworth South.

The results represent a significant shift in the political landscape of the Saddleworth area, which had returned Liberal Democrat councillors in previous years. Reform UK now holds two of the three Saddleworth seats on Oldham Council.

Describing election night as "a fantastic result for Reform", Mr Klonowski said he was grateful to everyone who voted, including those who supported other candidates. He said he now looked forward to taking up his duties and focusing on the issues that matter most to local residents.