Green Issues Local Election Briefing - 3 May 2002
Overview
Labour was defending from a high base. Of the 5,878 seats up for
election Labour held almost half. The elections on 2 May covered 32 London
boroughs, 36 Metropolitan boroughs, 18 unitary authorities and 88 district
councils.
The Conservative Party was expected to make substantial gains given the
traditional mid-term backlash. These were the first local elections to take
place since Iain Duncan Smith’s rise to the Tory leadership. Although
the Tories did win the largest percentage of the popular vote (34%) and also
took control of nine councils, the results did not mark a sign of national
recovery.
The Tories gained Enfield, Adur, Swale, Peterborough and Wokingham
but lost one of only two metropolitan councils they held, Calderdale in
West Yorkshire. However, they lost control of some true blue strongholds
including Cheltenham, Worthing and Eastbourne.
The Liberal Democrats as usual performed above their opinion poll ratings,
but there were only a small number of significant gains – taking Norwich
from Labour and regaining control of Kingston-Upon-Thames. They made gains
in the London boroughs, strengthening their hold in Islington and becoming
the largest party in Southwark. In the northern cites they did not fare so
well with some disappointing losses including Sheffield.
Tony Blair will breathe a sigh of relief this morning as the losses were
far less than could have been predicted. Although Labour lost 20 seats in
Prescott’s Hull and lost control of the council, they were able to
hold Hastings and Croydon. They also held Bolton and Wolverhampton which
had been under threat. They took control of Bexley which seemed a surprise
- even to Labour.
Turnout
It had been feared that these elections would be marked by the lowest
turnout in recent years. However, the turnout averaged 35% which, although
still disappointing for democracy, is up 5% on the local elections in 2000.
The lowest turnout was in the London boroughs where it averaged 30%.
New voting techniques were heralded a success in those areas where they
were trialed. However, postal voting seemed to prove more successful than
e-voting, with the votes taking longer to count on the electronic system.
Areas with postal ballots were up 28%, e-voting was up 5% and online voting
up 1%.
Single interest groups
Elmbridge Residents Group took overall control of Elmbridge Council in
Surrey last night. They were already the largest group going into the elections
but did not have an overall majority. The Kidderminster Hospital issue again
led to election victory as the Independent Kidderminster Hospital/Health
Concern group took control of Wyre Valley District Council. The MP for the
area represents the same group.
These gains have led to criticism of the three main political parties
as they suggest that mainstream parties are poor at reflecting local concerns.
The BNP gains at Burnley have hit the headlines with by gaining three
seats in Burnley, and securing 29% of the vote in Oldham but no councillors
were elected. Despite the media attention, it should be remembered that this
represents a very small number of seats when put in context of the 6,000
contested.
For a more in-depth look at your area, and what effect local elections
may have on your projects - contact Carla Bennett on 0118 959 1211.
Green Issues Communications
Alexandria House
3- 5 Castle Street
Reading RG1 7SB
Tel: 0118 959 1211
Fax: 0118 959 8244
Managing stakeholder communications
greenissues.com munications
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