Jubilant Labour supporters at the Sheffield count
What a night to be a Labour supporter in Sheffield.
This morning we only knew Labour needed to win at least three seats to gain majority in Sheffield City Council.
Although expected, the cheers of happiness when the votes were announced were only coming from those in red sashes.
Not only did Labour win the three necessary seats, they made a gain of nine seats from wards previously held by Lib Dem; Gleadless Valley, Nether Edge, Crookes, Stocksbridge and Upper Don, West Ecclesfield, East Ecclesfield, Hillsborough, Walkley and Broomhill.
All significant wins. Particularly Broomhill and Crookes are worth dwelling on. Both wards Lib Dems were hoping to win, particularly with Crookes traditionally being faithfull to the Lib Dems. The many students in both wards appear to have shown their dissatisfaction with the Lib Dems’ role in the coalition during the last year, and have either stayed away or cast their vote elsewhere.
But not only Labour has reason to celebrate.
The Sheffield Green Party retained their seat in Central ward keeping Jillian Creasy, leader of the Green Party in the city council. Although nothing was set in stone, Councillor Creasy was considered a strong candidate, which has now resulted in the Green party keeping two seats in Sheffield City Council. They no longer function as the balancing votes, but will still take part in council negotiations and influence wherever possible.
Although the Tories did not win Dore and Totley as hoped, they did overtake Lib Dem in the two wards Beighton and Birley. Conservatives have previously done well in these wards, but the increases are significant and might be seen as signs of approval of the Conservative politics in central government.
In Woodhouse, which was won convincingly by Labour, UKIP also put in a strong showing. They achieved more votes than the Lib Dems, although fell short of last years total.
Although a terrible night for the Libs Dems, there are some scraps of confidence to be had from tonights vote. They managed to retain their seat in Dore and Totley, greatly contested by the Tories, as well as Ecclesall. Both wards of great imporatnce to the Lib Dems as they form part of Nick Clegg’s Sheffield-Hallam constituency.
Overall a great night for Labour, and a dire night for the Lib Dems.
To every one who voted for me – thank you for your support and trust.
Thank you all who have helped with the campaign.
My thanks must go to: -
the proposer, seconder, and sponsors who made it all possible,
the publicity advisors, web site designer, and politicians who freely gave good advice,
the local businesses, who carried my publicity,
the well-wishers,
and last but not least,
special thanks to those who came out to help, walking for miles, helping with distributing the leaflets around the ward.
Meanwhile, nothing else has changed, so no doubt my name will continue to pop up throughout the year.
The very best of wishes to all,
martin