Labour has been hit severely in Britain’s local elections receiving the worst results in forty years. The projected vote share puts Labour into third place behind the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. The council elections have been the first major test of public feeling towards the Labour government not only since Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair but also since the invasion of Iraq. But it is the increase in financial pressures on the the general public that are considered to be pivotal factors in the swing from Labour towards the Conservative. The results have been described as a “kick in the ballots” for the Labour party and the story has dominated talk shows on local radio [BBC / Sky News].
Speaking in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, David Cameron said he saw the results as positive but added, “I don’t want to win just be cause Labour has failed but because people believe we can make change”. Meanwhile the ranks within the Labour party were reeling at Westminster. Harriet Harman said the results were disappointing and told the BBC that “we are determined to listen”. Her words were echoed by Gordon Brown. “I will listen and I will lead” the Prime Minister said this morning. But his words will sound hollow for many voters as the economic situation worsens. Today’s results may not be the only hammer blow for Brown and the Labour government. Results for the Mayoral election are due in later this evening and many commentators and polls are pointing at a win by Boris Johnson, the Conservative candidate. There is believed to have been a high turn out by the electorate to vote for a London Mayor but figures will not be released until 22:00 local time [BBC].
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