Tories suffer local election pain, but may win London
The electoral consequences of implementing austerity are becoming apparent to the Conservative party this morning after it received a pistol-whipping in local elections across the UK.
The electoral consequences of implementing austerity are becoming apparent to the Conservative party this morning after it received a pistol-whipping in local elections across the UK.
Elections have taken place across the country although counting in Scotland only began at 09:00. In the closely watched London Mayoral elections, counting was also due to start this morning but was delayed by a power cut - on the basis of polls yesterday London could be the Tories' main bright spot with Boris Johnson expected to beat the challenge of Ken Livingstone.
In the results available so far, the share of the vote in England was split Labour: 39%, Conservative: 31%, Lib Dems: 16%. Other parties took the remaining 14%, with the anti-EU UK Independence party taking a record 13% of the vote in the areas where they stood.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
David Cameron's Tories have lost nine councils with four (Great Yarmouth, Dudley, Plymouth and Harlow) falling directly under the control of Labour.
In England Labour gained a total of 22 councils, while holding the 28 they already controlled, in Wales the party took a further seven.
A further blow for the government was the rejection of a proposal for directly elected mayors in Coventry, Bradford, Nottingham and Manchester.
BS
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
Live: Will the Bank of England cut interest rates?
The outcome of the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting will be announced on 7 November. Stay up to date with live reporting and analysis from the team at MoneyWeek.
By Katie Williams Last updated
-
University tuition fees will rise to £9,535 next year – what does it mean for you?
The tuition fee hike has angered many students, not to mention their parents and grandparents who often help with financial support. But will it make a difference to how much you repay in the long run?
By Katie Williams Published