Labour is jubilant over latest poll successes

Candidate John Anderton won Worksop North East in Bassetlaw district, costing Conservatives their technical casting vote control of the Nottinghamshire council.

The gain was expected as Labour easily won another ward seat on the day of last May’s general election, but the party has achieved a 13.1 per cent swing since then.

Labour increased its vote in Kent County Council’s Romney Marsh division, coming from fourth place to second, but the Tories’ share also rose, probably helped by a Ukip collapse.

At Lydd in Shepway District, Labour was also the runner-up.

Labour hailed the Bassetlaw triumph, saying they won by a landslide each time and overturned three Tory majorities in four by-elections in the area since September.

Constituency MP John Mann said: “These election results show how the public are using the ballot box to make their views heard.

“The Lib Dems have lost all hope of any credibility and the Tories have quickly reverted to form and are creating a society where the weak and vulnerable have to fend for themselves.”

RESULTS:

Bassetlaw District: Worksop North East: Lab 1198, C 317, Ind 75, Lib Dem 28. Lab gain from C. Swing 13.1 per cent C to Lab.

Kent County: Romney Marsh: C 2222, Lab 748, Lib Dem 479, Ukip 420, Ind 238. C hold. Swing 1.9 per tent C to Lab.

Shepway District: Lydd: C 591, Lab 247, Lib Dem 184, Ind 177. C hold. Swing 1.6 per cent Lib Dem to C.