The results overnight were much as expected. Lib Dems held onto control in three local councils – Winchester, Eastleigh and Hull – and have made a net gain of 18 councillors. In Portsmouth we gained one councillor, which leaves us still running a minority Council.
This afternoon we can expect to hear from West Oxfordshire, Brentwood and Wokingham where we are hoping to increase our councillors and possibly take control.
Later this evening watch out for Elmbridge and Gloucester.
Please add any updates to the comments below.
* Mary Reid is a contributing editor on Lib Dem Voice. She was a councillor in Kingston upon Thames, where she is still very active with the local party, and is the Hon President of Kingston Lib Dems.
3 Comments
I nearly didn’t vote. Saltford Hall, Saltford was not accessible yesterday. Double doors not unlocked. Only one door, not wide enough. Fire escape has steps down. When will disability be accepted? No housing and we are always have to struggle. We live in an unfair society.
That is shocking, Helen, and probably illegal. Have you submitted a complaint?
We had a stunning win in Swaythling for Thomas Gravatt (1126 votes) from Labour (808) for the Labour dominated Southampton City Council where we now have 4 LibDem councillors.
LibDems in the southwest will have fond memories of Thomas who helped them win many campaigns, he’s a rising star and one to watch.
We also convincingly held Bassett for Sarah Wood (1481) against a Conservative challenge (964). Interesting to be fighting two totally different wards next to each other with very, very different demographics.
This result sets us up nicely for Geoff Cooper at the General Election for Romsey and Southampton North (R&SN) constituency, as these two wards form the southern flank of this largely rural seat, where we aim to give Caroline Nokes the fright of her life and who knows, may even take the seat back.
Sandra Gidley the previous LibDem MP for R&SN (2000-2010) is on our team.