TORIES last night swept back to overall control in Southampton for the first time in 24 years in a sensational victory that cost the seats of both the Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders.
It was the first test for the joint Labour and Lib Dem administration that seized power from the Conservatives in a February budget row over service cuts.
But the alliance, dubbed a "two-headed beast" by Labour leader June Bridle, was slain by a Tory landslide.
They gained eight seats, 15 of the 17 up for grabs, giving them a four-seat majority. Labour lost four of its six councillors standing for re-election and the Lib Dems lost all three of theirs.
The Tories will now run the council for two years because there are no local elections next year.
Tory group leader councillor Alec Samuels said: "The public did not care for a Lib Lab pact because they weren't consulted."
advertisement
Tory deputy leader councillor Royston Smith said: "We always said the public would judge them and their unholy alliance. Tonight they have done so and we've decapitated both heads of the beast. Labour are a spent force in the city."
Labour leader Cllr Bridle in Sholing and Lib Dem leader Adrian Vinson in Porstwood, both veteran councillors, lost to young Conservative challengers. They refused to face the results in public after attending the count behind closed doors. It was left to their deputies to try to put a brave face on the devastating results.
Labour group deputy leader councillor Jacqui Rayment said: "It was not a good night for us. I think there are a whole range of reasons and the national picture didn't help.
"The Tory campaign has been quite slick. We lost wards we didn't expect to lose and didn't lose ones we expected to. We need to rethink and check our policies are the right ones."
Lib Dem group deputy councillor Jill Baston said: "It's very bad news not just for us as a party but devastating for the city. I don't believe a Tory overall majority is a good thing for the city."
Both refused to rule themselves out of the leadership contests that will now unfold in coming days.
Labour Cabinet member councillor Richard Williams also failed to show his face despite narrowly holding his Woolston seat.
Elsewhere Lib Dem Cabinet member Ann Milton lost in Swaythling. And veteran Labour councillor Dennis Harryman lost Redbridge.
Labour mayor councillor Stephen-Barnes Andrews held on to Bevois.
Conservative Neil Fitzgerald, a 25-year-old cruise industry analyst who came third last year in Coxford, got one of the loudest cheers as the Sholing result was announced.
"The voters have rejected the coalition," he said. "It's a ringing endorsement of our position and our policies. I'm just overwhelmed and so pleased."
Champagne flowed
Fellow fresh faced Tory candidates queued up to take the stage of the Guildhall to be announced victors like a procession at a university graduation ceremony. Champagne and beer flowed as the size of the victory become clear.
Cllr Samuels said: "We put forward positive
policies and many of our candidates
are energetic young people. "It's quite
clear that Labour and Lib Dem polices
have failed in the city and the public were
satisfied with our performance."
Tory strategists put their win down to
a rejection of the Lab Lib pact as well as
national issues such as the row over the
Government's axing of the 10p tax rate.
They admitted a controversial policy
approved locally by the Labour and Lib
Dem administration to charge residents
to park outside their homes also gave
them a huge boost.
The administration insisted they had no plans to implement
it after it sparked public outrage and a Daily Echo campaign for a U-turn. The issue was seized upon by the Tories.
The city's Labour MP for Itchen John
Denham said: "It was always going to be
a difficult election for us against the
backdrop of the international credit
crunch, food and fuel prices.
"Locally the outrageous and untrue
campaign about residents parking hit us
quite badly.
"In the area of residents' parking
schemes it was the key local issue.
"Our own vote stayed strong but the
Lib Dem vote collapsed and went into
the Tories.
"As a local party we will have to show
to people we have listened to the issues
and will respond to them."
Greens and UKIP failed to make a
breakthrough.
Council legal chief Mark Heath said
despite the loss of the council's leader
and deputy leader it still had a "valid
executive".
The full council next meets on May 14
when it will appoint a new Tory leader
and Cabinet.
Yay!!!!! I am very happy with the result as the Tories deserve it and it teaches Labour and the Liberals a lesson that they shouldn't have done what they did. However, a lot of very hard-working and decent councillors were lost last night which is a real shame but can't be helped.
Yay!!!!! I am very happy with the result as the Tories deserve it and it teaches Labour and the Liberals a lesson that they shouldn't have done what they did. However, a lot of very hard-working and decent councillors were lost last night which is a real shame but can't be helped.
Our Council has been NOC for years and the negative effects of that has never been more evident than over the past few months, specifically the Lab/Lib Dem coup. That swung it for me and my traditional Lib Dem vote was knocked on the head. We need a focused, majority council not stung by pathetic political scraps. I only hope my personal gamble (I'm unlikely to vote Con again) delivers a better council who looks at this city and sees more than numbers.
Our Council has been NOC for years and the negative effects of that has never been more evident than over the past few months, specifically the Lab/Lib Dem coup. That swung it for me and my traditional Lib Dem vote was knocked on the head. We need a focused, majority council not stung by pathetic political scraps. I only hope my personal gamble (I'm unlikely to vote Con again) delivers a better council who looks at this city and sees more than numbers.
Posted by: John, Southampton on 1:19am Fri 2 May 08
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners.
My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners.
My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.
Yes! At least the other two parties won't be able to gang up and take over half way through the term of office again. That was what made me change my vote...
Yes! At least the other two parties won't be able to gang up and take over half way through the term of office again. That was what made me change my vote...
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote:
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners. My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.[/quote] No the Liberals and Labour were able to vote these proposals out at the February budget meeting as they took over then. Now of course that couldn't happen as the Tories have a majority. So you're safe for another year
John wrote:
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners. My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.
No the Liberals and Labour were able to vote these proposals out at the February budget meeting as they took over then. Now of course that couldn't happen as the Tories have a majority. So you're safe for another year
Posted by: Bill, Southampton on 1:53am Fri 2 May 08
Perhaps a message that the voters of Southampton are sick of seeing their taxes wasted by two political parties that love to spend other people's money.
Perhaps a message that the voters of Southampton are sick of seeing their taxes wasted by two political parties that love to spend other people's money.
Posted by: Mark Mywords, Blue Bassett on 4:05am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Labour Party Member[/bold] wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.[/quote] You'll just visit the website instead i take it?
Labour Party Member wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Paramjit Bahia on 4:28am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Labour Party Member[/bold] wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.[/quote] [bold]I don't think Echo's circulation manager is going to loose any sleep over your decision.
I suggest that rather than sulking like a spoilt child you along with other members of your party should ask yourselves why the electorate has delivered your lot a well deserved kick up your political backside.[/bold]
Labour Party Member wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.
I don't think Echo's circulation manager is going to loose any sleep over your decision.
I suggest that rather than sulking like a spoilt child you along with other members of your party should ask yourselves why the electorate has delivered your lot a well deserved kick up your political backside.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 4:52am Fri 2 May 08
[bold]As a socialist I am disappointed on Tories gaining control of Southampton.
As citizen of Southampton I am sorry about most hard working Councillor Denis Harryman loosing his seat.
But as a democrat I do accept the verdict delivered by the voters, so my congratulations to Conservatives.
I most sincerely hope that the new councillors will not be arrogant like Bridle and also unlike her and SOME of her coleagues will listen to the people of Southampton. But I have the feelings that members of the self confessed nasty party are not going to do that.
Any way at least now we know who to blame when the things go wrong, which was difficult under the 'Double headed monster'.[/bold]
As a socialist I am disappointed on Tories gaining control of Southampton.
As citizen of Southampton I am sorry about most hard working Councillor Denis Harryman loosing his seat.
But as a democrat I do accept the verdict delivered by the voters, so my congratulations to Conservatives.
I most sincerely hope that the new councillors will not be arrogant like Bridle and also unlike her and SOME of her coleagues will listen to the people of Southampton. But I have the feelings that members of the self confessed nasty party are not going to do that.
Any way at least now we know who to blame when the things go wrong, which was difficult under the 'Double headed monster'.
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 5:14am Fri 2 May 08
This is not a victory for anyone - less than 35% of the population voted. Why? because they had no choice, they are tired of politics and all the greed which is behind all politicians. The decent human being has lost yet again. As people in the deaf world stated online - you might as well select with a pin for they care nothing about us. A very expensive waste of time and it still does not bode well for the future.
This is not a victory for anyone - less than 35% of the population voted. Why? because they had no choice, they are tired of politics and all the greed which is behind all politicians. The decent human being has lost yet again. As people in the deaf world stated online - you might as well select with a pin for they care nothing about us. A very expensive waste of time and it still does not bode well for the future.
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote:
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners.
My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.[/quote] The Conservative's proposed a 2.7% rise in council tax this year... the Lib/lab pact forced it up to 3.4%.
We would All be paying less if the tories had stayed in control.
John wrote:
Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners.
My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won't see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.
The Conservative's proposed a 2.7% rise in council tax this year... the Lib/lab pact forced it up to 3.4%.
We would All be paying less if the tories had stayed in control.
The coup that took over control was not a good idea at all, especially when it meant we 'hard-working' families love to talk about had to pay more council tax.
That, and the obvious plans to charge for parking, which would absolutely have happened because politicians are devious, especially New Labour and their spin.
Then, an arrogant ignorant leadership nationally who just seem to think the people of Britain are blinded by their brilliance (read increasingly elitist behaviour) and this explains the result.
The people of Southampton (well, those who voted) have voted with their feet so to speak.
Your goods are no good anymore Labour. Time to go...
The coup that took over control was not a good idea at all, especially when it meant we 'hard-working' families love to talk about had to pay more council tax.
That, and the obvious plans to charge for parking, which would absolutely have happened because politicians are devious, especially New Labour and their spin.
Then, an arrogant ignorant leadership nationally who just seem to think the people of Britain are blinded by their brilliance (read increasingly elitist behaviour) and this explains the result.
The people of Southampton (well, those who voted) have voted with their feet so to speak.
Your goods are no good anymore Labour. Time to go...
Posted by: Mike, southampton on 6:40am Fri 2 May 08
someone on GMTV has just reported that voters have used these elections as a national vote rather than local.
this is not true, the tories got in to Southampton on local issues i.e. pikeys, bus passes, council tax and mostly in my case the stupid lib/lab council. if u vote labour its coz u want labour to win. you don't want the libs so somehow you end up with them???
power mad bridle bites the dust along with the buffoon vinson. not to mention MILTON!
someone on GMTV has just reported that voters have used these elections as a national vote rather than local.
this is not true, the tories got in to Southampton on local issues i.e. pikeys, bus passes, council tax and mostly in my case the stupid lib/lab council. if u vote labour its coz u want labour to win. you don't want the libs so somehow you end up with them???
power mad bridle bites the dust along with the buffoon vinson. not to mention MILTON!
Posted by: saint, sunny soton on 6:47am Fri 2 May 08
a good omen for the saints on Monday then?
at least the civic centre will look better with blue lights on the clock tower, never did like the red look.
a good omen for the saints on Monday then?
at least the civic centre will look better with blue lights on the clock tower, never did like the red look.
Posted by: Ian, bitterne park on 7:13am Fri 2 May 08
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way)
When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way)
When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 7:14am Fri 2 May 08
Oh happy days, a true victory for democracy. A victory for working people who have subsidised the feral for years. Perhaps now kids will get a better chance at school, perhaps we'll get more efficient services, less 'wow factor' crap and hopefully lower council tax.
A great day, all that we need now is a Saints win on Sunday.
Oh happy days, a true victory for democracy. A victory for working people who have subsidised the feral for years. Perhaps now kids will get a better chance at school, perhaps we'll get more efficient services, less 'wow factor' crap and hopefully lower council tax.
A great day, all that we need now is a Saints win on Sunday.
Posted by: shirley man, shirley on 7:20am Fri 2 May 08
It will be interesting to see if now the tories are in control in Southampton, if they now give them as much stick, as they have given the Labour and Lib Dem leader. Which if they dont will show that we do not have a neutral newspaper but a bias, Tory one like alot of the rest of the national press
It will be interesting to see if now the tories are in control in Southampton, if they now give them as much stick, as they have given the Labour and Lib Dem leader. Which if they dont will show that we do not have a neutral newspaper but a bias, Tory one like alot of the rest of the national press
Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses).
Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses).
Posted by: Sarah-Jane Pick, Woolston on 7:37am Fri 2 May 08
Yep they have won, but now lets see if they can do any better...I am sick and tired of looking at this dirty city of ours, and the crime in Woolston has gone up and nobody is doing anything about it...lets just wait and see
Yep they have won, but now lets see if they can do any better...I am sick and tired of looking at this dirty city of ours, and the crime in Woolston has gone up and nobody is doing anything about it...lets just wait and see
Posted by: Ian, bitterne park on 7:38am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]New Start[/bold] wrote:
Well done the tories, at last we will have some strong leadership in the city.[/quote] What we need now is a strong opposition to the Tories. Both Labour and the LibDems dont present that opposition at the moment.
I think the LibDems need to give up because they are the smallest party and have suffered because of their inept councillors.
Labour now need to find a backbone. Firstly the local parties need to tell [bold]Brown that he lost the election for them and has to go[/bold] .
Secondly Labour has to reconnect both localy and nationally to their working class roots. They have clearly lost this in Southampton. Their policies are seen as irrelevant.
Thirdly Labour needs to stop harking on about how hard it was under the Tories between 1979 and 1997.We all know that but after the last 11 years voters dont. It clear in the results.
Democracy has spoken and the Tories are in. I fear for Southampton now.
New Start wrote:
Well done the tories, at last we will have some strong leadership in the city.
What we need now is a strong opposition to the Tories. Both Labour and the LibDems dont present that opposition at the moment.
I think the LibDems need to give up because they are the smallest party and have suffered because of their inept councillors.
Labour now need to find a backbone. Firstly the local parties need to tell Brown that he lost the election for them and has to go .
Secondly Labour has to reconnect both localy and nationally to their working class roots. They have clearly lost this in Southampton. Their policies are seen as irrelevant.
Thirdly Labour needs to stop harking on about how hard it was under the Tories between 1979 and 1997.We all know that but after the last 11 years voters dont. It clear in the results.
Democracy has spoken and the Tories are in. I fear for Southampton now.
Posted by: Ian, bitterne park on 7:53am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]alex[/bold] wrote:
Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?[/quote] The same as if we had Tory MPs!!
Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses?
They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.
alex wrote:
Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?
The same as if we had Tory MPs!!
Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses?
They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.
Posted by: Jeanne, Bitterne Park on 8:06am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]alex[/bold] wrote:
Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?[/quote] The same as if we had Tory MPs!!
Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses?
They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.[/quote] When will you Labourites stop encouraging the so-called class war by calling all Tory MPs and councillors "Tory Toffs". You obviously only read the Socialist press, who don't headline the snouts in the trough aspects of the modern Labour MPs - and I bet you believe that John Prescott is bulimic, too!
Ian wrote:
alex wrote:
Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?
The same as if we had Tory MPs!!
Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses?
They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.
When will you Labourites stop encouraging the so-called class war by calling all Tory MPs and councillors "Tory Toffs". You obviously only read the Socialist press, who don't headline the snouts in the trough aspects of the modern Labour MPs - and I bet you believe that John Prescott is bulimic, too!
Posted by: Jeanne, Bitterne Park on 8:09am Fri 2 May 08
Oh, and another thing - at last we won't have to put up with the smug faces of Bridle and Vinson peering out at us from the pages of the Echo. Oh, the relief!
Oh, and another thing - at last we won't have to put up with the smug faces of Bridle and Vinson peering out at us from the pages of the Echo. Oh, the relief!
Ian wrote:
[quote]Labour now need to find a backbone. Firstly the local parties need to tell Brown that he lost the election for them and has to go .[/quote]
The elections were won on local issues alone. I wouldn't necessarily vote for the same party on national level as the issues are very different.
Also, I've not heard a lot from our local candidates pre-election - it's no surprise they lost. Conservatives did a great passionate job advertising themselves in the community pre-election. Let's hope their promises will deliver post-election!
Ian wrote:
Labour now need to find a backbone. Firstly the local parties need to tell Brown that he lost the election for them and has to go .
The elections were won on local issues alone. I wouldn't necessarily vote for the same party on national level as the issues are very different.
Also, I've not heard a lot from our local candidates pre-election - it's no surprise they lost. Conservatives did a great passionate job advertising themselves in the community pre-election. Let's hope their promises will deliver post-election!
[quote][bold]Mel Morris[/bold] wrote:
Does anyone have the individual results - they are not on the city web site or the echos.[/quote] Mel,
I know not why our earlier comments were removed. Echo censorship at it weirdest.
Mel Morris wrote:
Does anyone have the individual results - they are not on the city web site or the echos.
Mel,
I know not why our earlier comments were removed. Echo censorship at it weirdest.
Posted by: Ian, bitterne park on 8:25am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Jeanne[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]alex[/bold] wrote: Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?[/quote] The same as if we had Tory MPs!! Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses? They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.[/quote] When will you Labourites stop encouraging the so-called class war by calling all Tory MPs and councillors "Tory Toffs". You obviously only read the Socialist press, who don't headline the snouts in the trough aspects of the modern Labour MPs - and I bet you believe that John Prescott is bulimic, too![/quote] Jeanne. So you think Labour MPs are socialist then??
Mind boggling. Remember the Tory MP who paid for his layabout son to got to a posh school while on the MPs payroll? Snouts, troughs!!
You dont believe in class?? I'll ignore then all the billionaire city folk on their huge bonuses while we suffer from increasing price rises.If you dont think we live in a class society then youre living in Narnia.
I will wait and see how the local Tories get on. If you want to see the future of Southampton just look how the Tories are running the Isle of Wight Council.
Remind me to turn out the lights.
Jeanne wrote:
Ian wrote:
alex wrote: Yipee - Denhams expenses 2006/7 140,000 plus How does he manage ?
The same as if we had Tory MPs!! Do you really think the Tory Toffs will give up their precious expenses? They have many family members to employ and kids to put through posh schools and colleges.
When will you Labourites stop encouraging the so-called class war by calling all Tory MPs and councillors "Tory Toffs". You obviously only read the Socialist press, who don't headline the snouts in the trough aspects of the modern Labour MPs - and I bet you believe that John Prescott is bulimic, too!
Jeanne. So you think Labour MPs are socialist then??
Mind boggling. Remember the Tory MP who paid for his layabout son to got to a posh school while on the MPs payroll? Snouts, troughs!!
You dont believe in class?? I'll ignore then all the billionaire city folk on their huge bonuses while we suffer from increasing price rises.If you dont think we live in a class society then youre living in Narnia.
I will wait and see how the local Tories get on. If you want to see the future of Southampton just look how the Tories are running the Isle of Wight Council.
Ian wrote:-
"Democracy has spoken and the Tories are in. I fear for Southampton now."
Democracy has spoken - and you fear. We really do need to rid society of socialists. Socialism died in 1989 - did you not get that memo?
Ian wrote:-
"Democracy has spoken and the Tories are in. I fear for Southampton now."
Democracy has spoken - and you fear. We really do need to rid society of socialists. Socialism died in 1989 - did you not get that memo?
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 8:25am Fri 2 May 08
It would be good if we saw a change in Portswood but I doubt it. Nothing will change, they are not interested in the local residents. I no longer shop in Portswood because of bullies cycling on the pavement, shop lifting, thuggish behaviour, drug taking and syringes dumped in the streets, inconsiderate driving and parking. I would travel miles to find a safe shopping area.
It would be good if we saw a change in Portswood but I doubt it. Nothing will change, they are not interested in the local residents. I no longer shop in Portswood because of bullies cycling on the pavement, shop lifting, thuggish behaviour, drug taking and syringes dumped in the streets, inconsiderate driving and parking. I would travel miles to find a safe shopping area.
Posted by: Swaythling Boy, Swaythling on 8:27am Fri 2 May 08
Now that the Conservatives hold an absolute majority, their first priority in Swaythling must be to STOP THE TRAVELLERS SITE. NOW. Or we will know that, like every other party which has made promises, they are prone to break them.
Now that the Conservatives hold an absolute majority, their first priority in Swaythling must be to STOP THE TRAVELLERS SITE. NOW. Or we will know that, like every other party which has made promises, they are prone to break them.
[quote][bold]Yipee[/bold] wrote:
Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses). [/quote] This clearly has to be the next target - the removal of these socialists from our City.
Yipee wrote:
Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses).
This clearly has to be the next target - the removal of these socialists from our City.
Even if nothing else changes, we've got rid of Bridle and Vincent. So at least that's an improvement.
Wish I'd been there when the results were announced, just to see their faces!
Even if nothing else changes, we've got rid of Bridle and Vincent. So at least that's an improvement.
Wish I'd been there when the results were announced, just to see their faces!
Posted by: jimbo, Southamton on 8:37am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Sue[/bold] wrote:
It would be good if we saw a change in Portswood but I doubt it. Nothing will change, they are not interested in the local residents. I no longer shop in Portswood because of bullies cycling on the pavement, shop lifting, thuggish behaviour, drug taking and syringes dumped in the streets, inconsiderate driving and parking. I would travel miles to find a safe shopping area.[/quote] Tell your bleedin councillor then!!! I'm sure he will be all too keen to help, being new in the job
Sue wrote:
It would be good if we saw a change in Portswood but I doubt it. Nothing will change, they are not interested in the local residents. I no longer shop in Portswood because of bullies cycling on the pavement, shop lifting, thuggish behaviour, drug taking and syringes dumped in the streets, inconsiderate driving and parking. I would travel miles to find a safe shopping area.
Tell your bleedin councillor then!!! I'm sure he will be all too keen to help, being new in the job
Posted by: Anon, Southampton on 8:38am Fri 2 May 08
Another good one to go was Ann Milton - she was a 'full-time councillor'. Perhaps now she has lost her job she can see what it's really like in the city rather than in her cosseted lifestyle.
Another good one to go was Ann Milton - she was a 'full-time councillor'. Perhaps now she has lost her job she can see what it's really like in the city rather than in her cosseted lifestyle.
Posted by: Paul, Bitterne Park on 8:40am Fri 2 May 08
I feel very sorry at the loss of the good councillors - Reg Harryman, John Noon and Sue Jackson but not at the loss of Bridle and Vinson who got what they deserved. Come on Tories, make a good job of it
I feel very sorry at the loss of the good councillors - Reg Harryman, John Noon and Sue Jackson but not at the loss of Bridle and Vinson who got what they deserved. Come on Tories, make a good job of it
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote:
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way) When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.[/quote] Ian, see the article in this paper which says the turnout was up on previous years - which returned other winning parties
Ian wrote:
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way) When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.
Ian, see the article in this paper which says the turnout was up on previous years - which returned other winning parties
Posted by: Betty, Southampton on 8:47am Fri 2 May 08
The tories have come on to win from a distant third in many long-term Labour seats this year. And that's often even with the presence of a UKIP candidate. A stunning result
The tories have come on to win from a distant third in many long-term Labour seats this year. And that's often even with the presence of a UKIP candidate. A stunning result
[quote][bold]Ian[/bold] wrote:
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way) When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.[/quote] Those 65% need to get off their FLA's and vote next time.
Ian wrote:
35% turnout. Wow thats the thumbs up by the population of Southampton.(thats sarcasm by the way) When the cuts in services start I hope the 65% find their political voice.
Those 65% need to get off their FLA's and vote next time.
Posted by: Major Sir Jerry Pending, Ward 10 on 9:00am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]pn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote: Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories\' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners. My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won\'t see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.[/quote] The Conservative\'s proposed a 2.7% rise in council tax this year... the Lib/lab pact forced it up to 3.4%. We would All be paying less if the tories had stayed in control.[/quote] Pay no attention to what political parties proporse when they're in opposition - it's what they do when they're in power that counts. Look at Hampshire County Council - run by the Tories but council tax more than doubled over the past few years and with over £40 million pounds being spent on new offices while services being cut. Good financial management? I think not. But look at Lib Dem Eastleigh - council tax rises 1% below the rate of inflation AGAIN while services are improved and a new cinema and leisure complex being provided. Not surprising therefore that once again the Lib Dems have done well there.
In the end voters get what they deserve and Southampton residents can now look forward to two years on service cuts and big rises in council tax so it'll be interesting to see how many of those who voted Tory yesterday will start moaning when they see what the Tories actually DO rather than say.
pn wrote:
John wrote: Up goes my council tax to pay for the Tories\' promise to cut the council tax of well off pensioners. My mum (an OAP) receives pensioner credit so she won\'t see get a discount on her council tax. Samuels the TORY council leader (also an OAP) will benefit from this subsidy to the well off.
The Conservative\'s proposed a 2.7% rise in council tax this year... the Lib/lab pact forced it up to 3.4%. We would All be paying less if the tories had stayed in control.
Pay no attention to what political parties proporse when they're in opposition - it's what they do when they're in power that counts. Look at Hampshire County Council - run by the Tories but council tax more than doubled over the past few years and with over £40 million pounds being spent on new offices while services being cut. Good financial management? I think not. But look at Lib Dem Eastleigh - council tax rises 1% below the rate of inflation AGAIN while services are improved and a new cinema and leisure complex being provided. Not surprising therefore that once again the Lib Dems have done well there.
In the end voters get what they deserve and Southampton residents can now look forward to two years on service cuts and big rises in council tax so it'll be interesting to see how many of those who voted Tory yesterday will start moaning when they see what the Tories actually DO rather than say.
Posted by: Howard, Mansbridge on 9:04am Fri 2 May 08
[quote]Pay no attention to what political parties proporse when they're in opposition[/quote]
The tories WEREN'T in opposition when they proposed their budget - it's only after the vote that the liberals and labour ganged up on them and took over. had that not happened their council tax promises would have been in place NOW as published!
Pay no attention to what political parties proporse when they're in opposition
The tories WEREN'T in opposition when they proposed their budget - it's only after the vote that the liberals and labour ganged up on them and took over. had that not happened their council tax promises would have been in place NOW as published!
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 9:06am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Ayn Rand[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Yipee[/bold] wrote: Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses). [/quote] This clearly has to be the next target - the removal of these socialists from our City.[/quote] I think both Denham and Whitehead are on borrowed time. People are sick to death of paying excesses taxes to fund the lifestyles of greedy MP's who are at Westminster to feather their own nests. Neither would earn as much outside government. Roll on 2010.
Ayn Rand wrote:
Yipee wrote: Denham and Whitehouse next - please. I listened to Denham, you lot just don't appreciate how well off you are, (his words), ten years of pure joy and rising standards of living. (well if you have claimed all your expenses).
This clearly has to be the next target - the removal of these socialists from our City.
I think both Denham and Whitehead are on borrowed time. People are sick to death of paying excesses taxes to fund the lifestyles of greedy MP's who are at Westminster to feather their own nests. Neither would earn as much outside government. Roll on 2010.
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat.
The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat.
The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.
Posted by: hayley, ocean village on 9:10am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Jim[/bold] wrote:
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat. The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.[/quote] Good!
Jim wrote:
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat. The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.
Posted by: fishcake, school meal on 9:13am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Jim[/bold] wrote:
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat. The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.[/quote] they were only keeping them warm for the conservatives anyway
Jim wrote:
The LDs are finished in Southampton, all 3 LDs who stood for reelection lost their seat. The remaining 8 will be gone in 2010 and 2011. There are no safe LD seats.
they were only keeping them warm for the conservatives anyway
We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.
We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.
Posted by: ron westcott, bassett on 9:15am Fri 2 May 08
The idea of being ruled by the Thatcher Thugs does not appeal (EG the free Council Tax for Specials & the socially unfair rebate for OAP's which was ill concieved) but the fact that the Fat Lady is no longer wasting my money is a small compensation.
God help us if Pretty Boy Cameron gets to run the country. That will be the end of democracy and freedom for the people.
The idea of being ruled by the Thatcher Thugs does not appeal (EG the free Council Tax for Specials & the socially unfair rebate for OAP's which was ill concieved) but the fact that the Fat Lady is no longer wasting my money is a small compensation.
God help us if Pretty Boy Cameron gets to run the country. That will be the end of democracy and freedom for the people.
Posted by: Stephen Welch, Shirley on 9:16am Fri 2 May 08
I am delighted for the hard working Conservatives of Southampton, and for the City. The Tories came within just 320 votes of a clean sweep and fully deserve such a stunning victory. I look forward to some decent, honest and transparent local government for Southampton.
I am delighted for the hard working Conservatives of Southampton, and for the City. The Tories came within just 320 votes of a clean sweep and fully deserve such a stunning victory. I look forward to some decent, honest and transparent local government for Southampton.
Posted by: Matt, Southampton on 9:18am Fri 2 May 08
I'm not surprised at the vote just the magnitude of it but I am absolutely devastated that working class people deem this to be a success! When the Tories start to wield the axe over public service jobs, deplete services to local residents, I am sure then we won't see these same voters hailing this as a success to working people.
On the point of this being a victory on local issues, I struggle to comprehend the logic as one of the hardest working, professional and diligent councillors in Dennis Harryman lost his seat. There is definetly an element of the national situation coming into the voting folks.
If ever there was an indication that the Labour party needs to return to its socialist principles, this is it!
Another Socialist
I'm not surprised at the vote just the magnitude of it but I am absolutely devastated that working class people deem this to be a success! When the Tories start to wield the axe over public service jobs, deplete services to local residents, I am sure then we won't see these same voters hailing this as a success to working people.
On the point of this being a victory on local issues, I struggle to comprehend the logic as one of the hardest working, professional and diligent councillors in Dennis Harryman lost his seat. There is definetly an element of the national situation coming into the voting folks.
If ever there was an indication that the Labour party needs to return to its socialist principles, this is it!
Posted by: sainth, southampton on 9:22am Fri 2 May 08
Excellent news, even better news was the fact that Vinson and Bridle bit the dust. They thought that their pact would work, well it just goes to show how stupid they really are by forcing out the Tories two months before an election. They got what they deserved.
Excellent news, even better news was the fact that Vinson and Bridle bit the dust. They thought that their pact would work, well it just goes to show how stupid they really are by forcing out the Tories two months before an election. They got what they deserved.
Posted by: Where's Lee Whitbread?, Prospective Councillor for Bassett on 9:24am Fri 2 May 08
So, Lee Whitbread, he posts here often. I wonder why he isn't posting to spin his way out of his defeat (10% of the votes cast in his ward).
All mouth, and obviously no support.
So, Lee Whitbread, he posts here often. I wonder why he isn't posting to spin his way out of his defeat (10% of the votes cast in his ward).
[quote][bold]Simon[/bold] wrote:
We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.[/quote] The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn't care either way? ;)
Simon wrote:
We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.
The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn't care either way? ;)
[quote][bold]Hercule[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Simon[/bold] wrote: We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.[/quote] The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn\'t care either way? ;)[/quote] If the Polish had voted in large number I feel sure they would not be voting for socialists. They fought long and hard to rid their society of reds.
Hercule wrote:
Simon wrote: We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.
The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn\'t care either way? ;)
If the Polish had voted in large number I feel sure they would not be voting for socialists. They fought long and hard to rid their society of reds.
Posted by: Louise, Woolston on 9:34am Fri 2 May 08
This result is tragic for Southampton. The Tories only ever do anything to benefit themselves and never keep their promises. I remember the devastation of the Tory reign when I was a child and I will never, as long as I live, vote Tory.
For those who voted Conservative in protest, watch as your services are slashed and the rich get rich and the poor get poorer.
This result is tragic for Southampton. The Tories only ever do anything to benefit themselves and never keep their promises. I remember the devastation of the Tory reign when I was a child and I will never, as long as I live, vote Tory.
For those who voted Conservative in protest, watch as your services are slashed and the rich get rich and the poor get poorer.
Posted by: claire, swaythling on 9:35am Fri 2 May 08
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted
Posted by: claire, swaythling on 9:35am Fri 2 May 08
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted
[quote][bold]Sarah-Jane Pick[/bold] wrote:
Yep they have won, but now lets see if they can do any better...I am sick and tired of looking at this dirty city of ours, and the crime in Woolston has gone up and nobody is doing anything about it...lets just wait and see[/quote] Woolston still has a Labour majority so don't expect a clean up any time soon!
Sarah-Jane Pick wrote:
Yep they have won, but now lets see if they can do any better...I am sick and tired of looking at this dirty city of ours, and the crime in Woolston has gone up and nobody is doing anything about it...lets just wait and see
Woolston still has a Labour majority so don't expect a clean up any time soon!
Posted by: I Hate Labour Scum on 9:36am Fri 2 May 08
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on a national level.
Time to ditct the tax and spend un-elected Brown and his scum party and get this country back on a sucessful course.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on a national level.
Time to ditct the tax and spend un-elected Brown and his scum party and get this country back on a sucessful course.
Posted by: I hate Labour Scum on 9:44am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]claire[/bold] wrote:
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted[/quote] Clueless, completely and utterly clueless.
Labours tax and waste mentality has seen council tax DOUBLE in ten years.
Labours tax and waste mentality has seen us all struggling to fill our cars up with fuel.
Labours lack of border controls and open door policy to Poles etc has seen the wages of working class people supressed and ensured that house/rent prices have sky rocketed. As well as many other negative effects of immigration.
Labour are scum pure and simple. The sooner their nanny state attitude is kicked out of governement and we're not taxed to high heaven the sooner this country can start to mend.
claire wrote:
do the people of southampton have long term memory loss? People forget very quickly what labour party as a whole have done for the working class in this country. I'm disgusted
Clueless, completely and utterly clueless.
Labours tax and waste mentality has seen council tax DOUBLE in ten years.
Labours tax and waste mentality has seen us all struggling to fill our cars up with fuel.
Labours lack of border controls and open door policy to Poles etc has seen the wages of working class people supressed and ensured that house/rent prices have sky rocketed. As well as many other negative effects of immigration.
Labour are scum pure and simple. The sooner their nanny state attitude is kicked out of governement and we're not taxed to high heaven the sooner this country can start to mend.
Posted by: Steve, Southampton on 9:47am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Ayn Rand[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Hercule[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Simon[/bold] wrote: We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.[/quote] The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn\'t care either way? ;)[/quote] If the Polish had voted in large number I feel sure they would not be voting for socialists. They fought long and hard to rid their society of reds.[/quote] Riiiight. Because voting for Labour is exactly the same as wanting a communist dictatorship.
By that logic, anyone voting Conservative must long for a Fuhrer.
Ayn Rand wrote:
Hercule wrote:
Simon wrote: We i think ths could well be good news for the city some strong leadership after many years of no overall controll. The worry is that so few voted. Any one who did NOT vote (thats 7 out of 10) has no right to complain if they dont like things as they had their chance but did not go and vote.
The other 7/10 are surely Polish and couldn\'t care either way? ;)
If the Polish had voted in large number I feel sure they would not be voting for socialists. They fought long and hard to rid their society of reds.
Riiiight. Because voting for Labour is exactly the same as wanting a communist dictatorship.
By that logic, anyone voting Conservative must long for a Fuhrer.
Posted by: Paul Carrington, Southampton on 9:59am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Labour Party Member[/bold] wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.[/quote] Here, have some cheese to go with your whine.
Labour Party Member wrote:
After the reports in the Echo lately about the two headed beast, etc., i willnot be buying the Daily Echo again.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 10:01am Fri 2 May 08
Typical lefty bleating "oh the loss of services" and the like. Since when did WORKING class people actually benefit from these services? The only people currently benefitting are those on benefits who aren't working class and who don't pay council tax.
Typical lefty bleating "oh the loss of services" and the like. Since when did WORKING class people actually benefit from these services? The only people currently benefitting are those on benefits who aren't working class and who don't pay council tax.
Lets hope the Tories remember why they were voted in.And keep to their promises.
The people of SOUTHAMPTON have put their faith in the Conservatives to lead this town back in the right direction.
KEEP TO YOUR PROMISES and people might stick by you.
MR R ROWE FOR COUNCILLOR
Lets hope the Tories remember why they were voted in.And keep to their promises.
The people of SOUTHAMPTON have put their faith in the Conservatives to lead this town back in the right direction.
KEEP TO YOUR PROMISES and people might stick by you.
Posted by: Not Fooled by Labour, Bitterne on 10:18am Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote:
Typical lefty bleating "oh the loss of services" and the like. Since when did WORKING class people actually benefit from these services? The only people currently benefitting are those on benefits who aren't working class and who don't pay council tax.[/quote] Anyone would think we didn't get services before Brown came along and taxed us all to the hilt.
The reason services may drop is because of prudence Browns tax and waste spree these last 10 years. Any sensible government builds up reserves during boom times - but not a Labour government. It's taken a new generation 10 years to learn why the previous generation wouldn't touch Labour with a barge pole. It's Browns policy of waste waste waste that means the govt. can't afford to cut taxes as the country now heads into a recession.
At least un-elected Brown will be dragged by his fingernails out of downing street in 2 years time when he's forced to call an election. We can only hope he does't do much more damage in the time he's got left.
Condor Man wrote:
Typical lefty bleating "oh the loss of services" and the like. Since when did WORKING class people actually benefit from these services? The only people currently benefitting are those on benefits who aren't working class and who don't pay council tax.
Anyone would think we didn't get services before Brown came along and taxed us all to the hilt.
The reason services may drop is because of prudence Browns tax and waste spree these last 10 years. Any sensible government builds up reserves during boom times - but not a Labour government. It's taken a new generation 10 years to learn why the previous generation wouldn't touch Labour with a barge pole. It's Browns policy of waste waste waste that means the govt. can't afford to cut taxes as the country now heads into a recession.
At least un-elected Brown will be dragged by his fingernails out of downing street in 2 years time when he's forced to call an election. We can only hope he does't do much more damage in the time he's got left.
Posted by: Tony, Bitterne Park on 10:20am Fri 2 May 08
The Tories did well partly because the Government is going through a bad patch (as Thatcher and Major both did before going on to win the following general elections in the eighties and 1992). But they also won locally because they were prepared to lie shamelessly.
They said that Labour would switch to fortnightly bin collections. Labour has always opposed any such plan and the budget passed by the Lab/Lib council in February kept weekly bin collections.
Tories said Labour would make people pay for their first residents' parking permit. This was a line in a report commissioned by the Tories and which they were going to implement until they lost office. No matter how many times Labour said they wouldn't bring in this charge the Tories were ready to lie again.
The Tories claimed to have given pensioners free nationwide bus travel (it was actually a Labour government policy) but it was while they were in office that the planning wasn't done to get the passes ready in time.
And in all this blatant lying they were cheered on by the Echo with selective reporting of the facts.
I'm trying not to be a bad loser - the Tories clearly were more popular than Labour and Labour needs to look nationally and locally as to why that was. But it's very difficult to argue with a lie.
The Tories did well partly because the Government is going through a bad patch (as Thatcher and Major both did before going on to win the following general elections in the eighties and 1992). But they also won locally because they were prepared to lie shamelessly.
They said that Labour would switch to fortnightly bin collections. Labour has always opposed any such plan and the budget passed by the Lab/Lib council in February kept weekly bin collections.
Tories said Labour would make people pay for their first residents' parking permit. This was a line in a report commissioned by the Tories and which they were going to implement until they lost office. No matter how many times Labour said they wouldn't bring in this charge the Tories were ready to lie again.
The Tories claimed to have given pensioners free nationwide bus travel (it was actually a Labour government policy) but it was while they were in office that the planning wasn't done to get the passes ready in time.
And in all this blatant lying they were cheered on by the Echo with selective reporting of the facts.
I'm trying not to be a bad loser - the Tories clearly were more popular than Labour and Labour needs to look nationally and locally as to why that was. But it's very difficult to argue with a lie.
[quote][bold]Louise[/bold] wrote:
This result is tragic for Southampton. The Tories only ever do anything to benefit themselves and never keep their promises. I remember the devastation of the Tory reign when I was a child and I will never, as long as I live, vote Tory. For those who voted Conservative in protest, watch as your services are slashed and the rich get rich and the poor get poorer.[/quote] I remember the freedom Thatcher gave me to build and expand my business, creating jobs for all sorts of people like you.
Mind you I have got much richer under labour in the past 10 years so these results are a mixed blessing to me.
Louise wrote:
This result is tragic for Southampton. The Tories only ever do anything to benefit themselves and never keep their promises. I remember the devastation of the Tory reign when I was a child and I will never, as long as I live, vote Tory. For those who voted Conservative in protest, watch as your services are slashed and the rich get rich and the poor get poorer.
I remember the freedom Thatcher gave me to build and expand my business, creating jobs for all sorts of people like you.
Mind you I have got much richer under labour in the past 10 years so these results are a mixed blessing to me.
Posted by: Disillusioned Lefty, Nursing Wounds on 10:28am Fri 2 May 08
Saw that coming :-(
What this further proves is that the centralisation of politics is a bad thing and by accusing opponents of being 'ideological', as if that is a bad thing which has happened continually for about the last three years, the left only further disenfranchises it
Print
Email this
Comment