Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said:
“In the end, these were challenging elections for the Conservatives, losing over three hundred seats and nearly a dozen councils including London totems Wandsworth and Westminster. Given the context though they may feel it could have been worse.
And while it was a bad day for the Conservatives that doesn’t quite translate into a very good day for anyone else. Labour will be very satisfied with progress in some parts of the country while privately feeling they could have done better in other places. The Liberal Democrats have traditionally made very targeted local approaches, but appear to be quite pleased – claiming the largest increase of seats for any party. Greens and independents candidates, at first glance, seem to be doing well – but it takes a finer level of analysis to determine just how well.
We shouldn’t forget the real importance of these elections though. From Westminster to Wokingham and Somerset to Hull incoming administrations will have different spending priorities and will take different approaches to key public services like social care, housing, children’s services and planning.
That will make a material difference to the lives of millions of citizens of this country. In the final analysis, local elections are just that. Local. They give us a direct say in the governance of the places we live and work in.
More than 6,000 councillors were elected today: they will have to take tough decisions about vital local services and they deserve all our respect for taking on that challenge.”
ENDS
LGIU Resources
One-stop shop for local elections analysis The LGIU team has been working hard to provide you and your teams with all the essential elections support, resources and commentary throughout this all important election period via our one-stop shop. Our final results analysis is now available here as well with our take on what the results across England, Scotland and Wales really mean. Our statement on the results in Scotland is available here.
Who runs the councils in No Overall Control? Ahead of elections on 5 May, over 64 councils across England, Scotland and Wales are in “No Overall Control”. Here, Ingrid Koehler looks at what this means in practice
Ipsos / LGIU polling on UK attitudes to local elections State of the Locals, LGIU’s new polling data with Ipsos on UK attitudes to local elections, the work of councillors and role of local government is now available here.
Local government facts & figures Our local government facts and stats page includes all of the details on how a council really works, a breakdown of local government structures, stats and workings across England and Scotland.
Resources for new councillors Our extensive resources for new councillors are now live with all the resources, tools and support for new or recently elected members to hit the ground running and take a deep dive on the issues as well as the training and skills to take their skills to the next level. This also includes our *new for 2022* guide for new councillors.
About LGIU The LGIU is the UK’s biggest independent local government membership body with more than 250 councils and other organisations subscribing to our networks. We provide unrivalled practical support to our member councils and an uncompromising advocacy for local government and services that are designed and delivered in the communities that need them.
