Labour dealt a blow in Northumberland parish council elections

Posted by The Journal on Jun 8, 09 10:25 AM in Councils

Labour's popularity in Northumberland has been dealt a further blow after voters turned against them in parish elections.

The Liberal Democrats made impressive gains in traditional Labour strongholds such as Ashington and Blyth in the new councils' first parish elections.

Parish council elections in South East Northumberland

Turnout in many wards was above 30% after politicians from all sides campaigned on the need to strengthen local accountability over the new unitary authority.

Former Blyth council leader Dave Stephens lost out in the race for a seat on the new council in Blyth.

Last night Bob Watson, who was elected to represent Seaton Valley's Holy Well ward, said his Labour colleagues had to start planning for the future.

"We know that in four years we'll have another chance to take control of the council, and I'm happy to be starting out on a new challenge on the town councils."

The Liberal Democrats beat Labour to take control of Ashington, Newbiggin, and West Bedlington, and are the largest party on Cramlington and Blyth parish councils.

Last night Lib Dem Northumberland Council leader Jeff Reid said: "No matter how hard you try an election will often end up being a referendum on the Government, and in these counts there obviously was no track record for the new councils to be judged on, so I imagine Gordon Brown was being judged here.

"But the parish councils are important in their own right, we have always said they will be the foundations from which the council takes a strategic direction."

In Ponteland three parish councillors were elected unopposed as they were the only candidates.

View results

North, East and West Bedlington »
Ashington »
Newbiggin »
Seaton Valley »
Cramlington »
Blyth »

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos