Tories take control of Lewes District Council from Lib Dems

The Conservative Party have taken control of Lewes District Council from the grip of the Liberal Democrats, some 20 years after the Lib Dems took charge of the council.

The Tories gained four seats to take control from their national-coalition government partners, while the Lib Dems lost three, and an Independent took another (see results below).

The result is likely to be seen as a protest vote against Norman Baker, Transport Minister and MP for Lewes, and his decisions to enter the coalition government with the Tories and his support of the increase in student fees.

After the declaration Mr Baker said that the result was “disappointing", adding that "The consequence of voting Labour and Green in Lib Dem or Tory marginal wards is to result in Tory councils, and that's what unfortunately we got today."

 

Turnout for the elections – Town, District and Parish – was relatively high, higher than 60 per cent in some wards, but the declarations for all were delayed to allow the alternative vote slips to be verified centrally, much to the frustration of those that attended the count.

Results for the national referendum in the Lewes District were a conclusive  - Yes 12,531; No 23,738, a result reflected in the nationwide rejection of AV.

Name of Party:

Conservative Party 22

Green Party 0

Independent 1

Labour Party 0

Liberal Democrats 18

Trade Unionists & Socialists Against Cuts 0

UK Independence Party 0

What does this mean for Lewes? Have your say