The Conservative Party did exceptionally well in the local elections across the South West. We made gains against both the Liberal Democrats and Labour - the former having a disastrous day in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The Conservative Party seized control in Devon (winning 41 seats to the Liberal Democrats 14) and Somerset (winning 35 seats to the Liberal Democrats 21, gaining 11) and became Cornwall's biggest party (winning 50 seats to the Liberal Democrats 38 - crucially Cornwall does not have a single Labour Councillor).
Whilst the Liberal Democrats might have won control of Bristol (from no overall control), the Conservatives made 4 gains (the Liberal Democrats also made 4 gains) and are now the official opposition in the Council. In constituencies like Bristol North West, Conservatives lead on the overall vote share which bodes well for the general election.
In the new Wiltshire Unitary Council, the Conservative Party won 62 seats (63.3% of the vote). In Dorset, the Conservative Party won 28 seats (or 62.22% of the vote share).
In Gloucestershire, where I campaigned on polling day and stayed for the verification and count, the Tories won 42 seats (29 more than any other single party). In my home constituency of the Forest of Dean, we also made gains (including Brooksdean where the incumbent - who is also the Labour Parliamentary Candidate - fell to third).
Nationally, Labour suffered humiliation, losing control of its four remaining county councils in England – Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire. With Cabinet resignation after resignation, the Labour Party is in complete disarray and Gordon Brown has lost all political authority. The Labour Party is still clinging to its leader, just. To quote Jon Cruddas, to "simply chuck Gordon overboard would be madness" as they know it would in all likelihood trigger a general election and inevitable defeat.
Attention now turns to the European Parliamentary election results tonight. Labour is predicted to come fourth – a record low. Tomorrow, Labour rebels are planning to publish a list of MPs who want Mr Brown to go. 71 signatures will be enough to trigger a leadership contest.
Watch this space.
Whilst the Liberal Democrats might have won control of Bristol (from no overall control), the Conservatives made 4 gains (the Liberal Democrats also made 4 gains) and are now the official opposition in the Council. In constituencies like Bristol North West, Conservatives lead on the overall vote share which bodes well for the general election.
In the new Wiltshire Unitary Council, the Conservative Party won 62 seats (63.3% of the vote). In Dorset, the Conservative Party won 28 seats (or 62.22% of the vote share).
In Gloucestershire, where I campaigned on polling day and stayed for the verification and count, the Tories won 42 seats (29 more than any other single party). In my home constituency of the Forest of Dean, we also made gains (including Brooksdean where the incumbent - who is also the Labour Parliamentary Candidate - fell to third).
Nationally, Labour suffered humiliation, losing control of its four remaining county councils in England – Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire. With Cabinet resignation after resignation, the Labour Party is in complete disarray and Gordon Brown has lost all political authority. The Labour Party is still clinging to its leader, just. To quote Jon Cruddas, to "simply chuck Gordon overboard would be madness" as they know it would in all likelihood trigger a general election and inevitable defeat.
Attention now turns to the European Parliamentary election results tonight. Labour is predicted to come fourth – a record low. Tomorrow, Labour rebels are planning to publish a list of MPs who want Mr Brown to go. 71 signatures will be enough to trigger a leadership contest.
Watch this space.
1 comments:
Hey Zehra,
Wanted to let you know that I featured a portion of your post on my blog. Thought you offered a nice summary of the local elections. Keep up the good work.
- Nick
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