LABOUR GETS THE BLUES AS BRUM TORIES TAKE SIX

02-05-2008

Mike Whitby hailed the dawn of “urban Conservatism” as the Conservatives snatched six seats from Labour in Birmingham – including traditional working class heartlands like Stockland Green and Weoley.

The Liberal Democrats turned in a steady performance, holding on to both Tyburn and Aston, the seat represented by controversial Cabinet member Ayoub Khan – while Respect took Sparkbrook.

There’s no doubting that it was the Conservatives’ night though – in addition to Stockland Green they claimed victory in Erdington, Longbridge, Oscott, Quinton and Weoley.

“We’re reaching into the Labour heartlands” said a beaming Whitby at the count.

“We’re not just appealing to traditional Conservative voters in the leafy suburbs, we’re reaching out to everybody, which is what I’ve wanted ever since I was leader.  This is urban Conservatism in action.”

Asked to explain the Tories success, he said: “I think there were three main reasons.

“One is that people can actually feel and see that their city is cleaner.  Not everywhere I know, but on the whole it is, and people feel that our recycling, despite a few glitches, is starting to work.

“Then there’s our sound financial management, and we’ve delivered Council Tax rises below the RPI three years in a row, and we’re going to keep doing that.

“We also have to say the scrapping of the 10p income tax band by the government helped us too.”

Labour leader Sir Albert Bore scoffed at suggestions that local voters were swayed by local issues.

He laid responsibility for his party’s performance at the government’s door.

“It’s not about cleaner streets or even the Council Tax, which only raises £6 million anyway, compared to £60 million from central government.

“The fact is that the government is unpopular at the moment and we paid the price for that.”

Bore argued that traditional Labour voters hadn’t switched sides to the Conservatives – rather, they had simply stayed at home.

The Lib Dems were braced for defeat in Aston, where Ayoub Khan had been at the centre of a postal voting row, but he held on to secure a majority of more than 300.

Tyburn was also a notable “hold”, as it was won under Labour colours in 2004 by Ann Holtom before she defected. She comfortably held the seat under Lib Dem colours last night.

Sparkbrook was taken Naim Ullah Khan for Respect in the face of false claims that he was ineligible. Former Lib Dem cabinet member Talib Hussain, standing as an Independent, dropped back into fifth place.

Respect also forced a recount in Springfied, but Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Jerry Evans held on after a recount.

Both the BNP and the Greens scored heavily in targeted wards, but neither came close to victory.

What’s your verdict? Leave a comment on the Election 2008 thread on the Stirrer Forum.