Disappointing LibDem Poll Results

9.54.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th May 2007

On Telford & Wrekin Council, the Conservatives are now the largest party with 25 councillors; Labour have 19; Independents 4; LibDems and TAWPA 3 each. Cllr Karen Blundell topped the poll for the LibDems in Apley Castle with 702 votes, and Bill and Karen Tomlinson retained their seats in Shawbirch and Dothill respectively. Sadly, Brenda Flowers lost her seat in Newport East, and Bob Unwin failed to win Newport North, but both were elected to Newport Town Council. Linda and Gary Hodson worked hard in Malinslee, but the two Labour councillors were returned to the Borough with sizeable majorities.

However, on Great Dawley Parish Council, Linda Hodson, Gary Hodson and Nicola Holmes all retained their seats in Malinslee Ward, where TAWPA gained 5 seats, Independents 1, leaving Labour with only 5 out of the total of 14. On Wellington Town Council, Karen Tomlinson came top in Dothill Ward, and Pat Fairclough and Justin Burnett came first and second in Shawbirch. Out of the total of 21 seats, the Conservatives now have 12; Labour, LibDems, and Independents 3 each.

The District Council elections were influenced by the Shropshire bid for Unitary Status, and the misinformation put out by the Conservatives to discredit LibDem candidates. As a result, the LibDems lost 5 seats on Bridgnorth District Council, including Group Leader Cllr Iain Seivewright, the current Mayor of Bridgnorth, and Cllr David Gibbon, the current Mayor of Much Wenlock. However, those who lost seats on the District were re-elected to their respective Town Councils. David Murray was returned unopposed for Albrighton South, Phil Robinson came top of the poll in Broseley East, and Colin Taylor was re-elected in Alveley Ward.

The Conservatives now have 13 seats; Independents 11; No description 6; LibDems 3 and Labour 1. How the Conservatives and Independents work together remains to be seen. The LibDems also lost seats in South Shropshire, leaving their Council with 18 Conservatives, 11 LibDems, 4 Independents and 1 Green Party councillor. It is to be hoped that the Conservatives will not undo all the good work achieved there by Cllr Heather Kidd and her team.

In Shrewsbury & Atcham, the Conservatives now have 22 seats; Labour 10; LibDems 5 and Independents 3. Cllr Roger Evans, the LibDem Mayor lost his seat in Hanwood, so three LibDem mayors have been defeated in these elections. The Conservatives also gained overall control of Oswestry Borough Council with 16 councillors, leaving Independents with 8, LibDems 4, and one seat vacant where there was no nomination.

Although LibDems have made gains in other areas, the Shropshire results are disappointing. You can help the LibDems campaign for a fairer society by making a donation or becoming a member through this website. Help is always welcome with delivering our local newsletters.