04.05.12
Local election gains for Labour
Labour has made significant gains in local elections, winning hundreds of seats and winning control of councils across England and Wales. The party has won nearly 500 seats so far, as well as control of significant councils including Birmingham and Cardiff.
The Conservatives have lost 288 seats and the Lib Dems 133 so far. Labour is projected to end up with 39% of the national share of the vote, up 3 points, and the Conservatives down four points on 31%. The Lib Dems are expected to remain at 16%, the same as last year.
The estimated turnout was 32%, the lowest since 2000.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “These are difficult times and there aren’t easy answers. What we have to do is take the difficult decisions to deal with the debt, deficit and broken economy that we’ve inherited and we will go on making those decisions and we’ve got to do the right thing for our country.”
Labour Leader Ed Miliband said: “We are a party winning back people’s trust, regaining ground, but there is more work to do.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: “I am determined that we will continue to play our role in rescuing, repairing and reforming the British economy.
“It’s not an easy job and it can't be done overnight but our duty is to boost jobs and investment and to restore a sense of hope and optimism to our country.”
More than 4,700 seats have been contested in 128 English councils, with 21 unitary authorities in Wales electing new councillors. InScotland, every seat on 32 unitary authorities was up for election, with results expected later on Friday.
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