Conservative HQ will be spinning the line that Thursday’s elections represent nothing more than the usual mid-term blues for an incumbent Government. In the wake of a string of blunders, from Abu Qatada to George’s far from popular Budget, it was never going to be a good night for Cameron’s party and it is hardly surprising that the Conservatives saw losses for a second year in a row. With notable exceptions, such as Winchester, the Conservatives lost out across the country and Conservative voices can already be heard calling for changes in the Government’s approach.
Election count underway in Coventry
Labour made progress, winning back control of councils, such as Plymouth and Thurrock; areas where they had lost MPs in 2010. Labour has consolidated its Northern heartland, winning the elections for new directly elected Mayors of Liverpool and Salford, also gaining Carlisle and solidifying their position in Manchester. The party has also progressed in the South and Midlands, gaining Dudley, Exeter and Southampton among others. Ed Milliband will be breathing a sigh of relief and hoping to put questions hanging over his leadership to one side.
