Hullbridge was always likely to be an uphill struggle for Labour. But we moved up from 4th to 3rd and organised the best campaign we have been able to run in a fair amount of time. We hope this will give us a platform to build from in future in what was – before this evening – a four-way marginal. We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped us during the campaign. Angelina will continue to work hard for Hullbridge as chair of the Parish Council.
Diane Hoy will make a splendid councillor and we wish her the best in her new post. I hope that the Green Party – that shares many values with Labour – will now be able to orchestrate more effective opposition with a second councillor. I am sure that we will be able to work together if the Labour Party manage to get any representation next May. A huge percentage of the vote (50% Green and 12% Labour) went for parties opposing conservative policies. If the trend continues more than one Tory seat could be under threat come May.
Whilst I am still awaiting the figures I understand UKIP were ‘destroyed’ . This is great news for a ward that only a few weeks ago voted the English Democrats in large numbers. I hope the Greens will be able to deliver on their promises, but I worry the huge (heavily whipped) Tory administration will continue, blind to the voters criticism.
Clarification: Contrary to comments spoken to me today, conservative was deliberately spelt with a small ‘c’ because I am including those with conservative policies (ie the Lib Dems and UKIP).
Comments
Rob, Interesting to be lumped together with UKIP!
Seriously, which policies of the Liberal Democrat Party do you think are conservative with a small c?
The Liberal Democrats are supporting the same fiscal contraction that UKIP are suggessting doesn’t go far enough. Despite it being the biggest fiscal contraction in living memory. The Liberal Democrats agreed to a coalition with the Tories when a power-sharing relationship would have been as stable for the country but the Lib Dems would be able to vote against the most extreme incompetencies of this government.
More conservative moves from the liberal democrats include: tuition fees, VAT, public sector pensions, trident. You are supporting conservative policies that few Lib Dem voters want.
All for what? A vote on AV.