04 May 2012

Labour Scores High In Local Elections

Labour has swept the boards in the local elections after a night of big gains.

After half of the votes counted, Labour had won control of 22 councils and gained 470 new seats, while the Conservatives looked more likely to lose over 350 seats and the Liberal Democrats approximately 200.

Speaking outside his London home, Labour leader, Mr Ed Miliband said: "We are a party winning back people's trust, regaining ground, but there is more work to do.

"I know that David Cameron promised change and has disappointed people. I am determined that we can deliver Britain the change it needs.

"People are hurting. People are suffering from this recession, people are suffering from a Government that raises taxes for them and cuts taxes for millionaires. I think that's what we saw last night."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, said he was "really sad" at his party's results.

He said: "I am really sad that so many colleagues and friends - Liberal Democrat councillors, who have worked so hard, so tirelessly for so many years for communities and families in their local areas - have lost their seats and I want to pay tribute to all the great work they have done," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

"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."

(CD)