Former Home Secretary David Blunkett laid into the Liberal Democrats today and fellow Sheffield MP Nick Clegg, hailing the end of “Cleggmania”.

The leading Labour figure and Sheffield Brightside MP made the reference to Mr Clegg’s spectacular increase in popularity a year ago in the run up to the general election.

But since Mr Clegg, who represents Sheffield Hallam, joined with the Conservatives as a junior partner in the coalition government, much of his shine has become tarnished.

U-turn

His U-turn over university tuition fees and support for the government’s austerity measures have proved unpopular.

Speaking to Jusnews reporters at the Sheffield count Mr Blunkett said: “We now have to take a very deep breath and be very grateful and pleased that this will be the end of Cleggmania.”

Mr Blunkett predicted that Labour would take at least six seats from the Lib Dems in Sheffield – enough to hand control of the city to Labour.

Early results showed a dramatic collapse in Lib Dem support.

The first result in Sheffield to be announced in Southey ward showed Lib Dem votes declining from more than 1300 last year to just 403 this year as Labour increased its majority.