Coventry elections: No change at council as Labour retain leadership

The Labour party and the Conservatives both lost and gained a ward



It’s as you were at Coventry City Council as Labour retains hold of leadership at the authority following the 2019 local elections.

One third of councillors were up for election across the 18 wards on May 2.

Labour made one gain in Earlsdon – the biggest result as former council leader Ken Taylor was ousted by Becky Gittins 2,155 to 2,051, ending his 33 years as a councillor.

But with veteran Labour councillor David Kershaw stepping down in Bablake, the party lost its seat to the Conservatives, with Tarlochan Jandu winning 1,535 to 1,147.

Both Labour and the Conservatives however saw their share of the vote decrease overall, as UKIP, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party strengthened their vote.

But the make-up of the council remains the same after Labour won 14 wards on the night overall, while the Conservatives won four.

Leader of the council Cllr George Duggins said: “We are disappointed whenever we lose seats but we have gained Earlsdon for the second time in a year.

“We have got two outstanding candidates now in Earlsdon and I feel the people there recognise Labour representation is now for them and I hope this will be a sign of things to come in the future.”

Conservative leader Cllr Gary Ridley said he believed national policies played out on the night, and while little changed at the Council House in terms of party make-up, he said he was “devastated” at the loss of Ken Taylor in Earlsdon.

“I am disappointed we have lost Ken,” he added.

“He has been a great servant for the whole city over the years and I am devastated that has happened.”

Labour won 46 per cent of the vote overall but this dropped from seven per cent last year.

The Conservatives’ vote also dropped, down six per cent to 27 per cent.

However the Green Party saw their vote increase six per cent to 13 per cent overall, while UKIP also saw a big rise from 2 per cent to 12 per cent, having pulled [sic] second in Radford, Henley, and Binley and Willenhall.

Stephen Gray, Green party spokesman, said: “We have upped our vote across the city.

“We have jumped into second place in Holbrooks, and we were two votes out from second place in Whoberley. We are definitely increasing our vote and that is positive for the future.”

Aimee Challenor, Lib Dem spokesman, said: “We’re very happy with the local increase in Coventry and look forward to seeing that replicated and improved in the European elections, especially considering our gains and UKIP’s collapse nationally.”

Voter turnout dropped from 27.4 per cent last year to an average of 27 per cent.

Why are pencils and not pens issued in polling booths which can easy be erased
? . I asked for a pen and used that.

Easier to read?

You're allowed to use anything you like as long as it's legible.

I was very amused to have received another polling card only just this morning!

Well, I can only assume that the majority of Coventry citizens are happy with the rabble of a council we have. I notice that the turnout was particularly low (again), but if people won't make the effort they deserve all they get. - Yes, I did make the effort to go and vote. (It was on the way to the pub, so would be rude not to drop in!)

I still don't trust them using a pencil sorry to say how can you not understand an X.

Lol Dutchman maybe they did nt know which date the voting day was but just proves how they like wasting tax payer money.

Well, I can only assume that the majority of Coventry citizens are happy with the rabble of a council we have. I notice that the turnout was particularly low (again), but if people won't make the effort they deserve all they get. - Yes, I did make the effort to go and vote. (It was on the way to the pub, so would be rude not to drop in!)

When I got there at 6 'oclock I was the 97 th the young girl told me when I asked if they had been busy . The young girl said most people are saying what's the point in voting when there is no longer any democracy.

Lol Dutchman maybe they did nt know which date the voting day was but just proves how they like wasting tax payer money.

It's for the euro-elections on May 23rd Melisandre, you know, for the EU we are supposed to have left.

You should have received one too?

Thank you Dutchman no I have nt recieved one only the one in the local elections.
I ve read in one of the news replies we have left the EU legally in March and it was going through the courts but its been kept quiet with held kept out of the news.

I read something similar Melisandre. Not too sure what to make of it.

I believe it myself Rebbonk as I ve learned from the past how when it suites them its like bloody secret service kept from us and may be not to rock the stock market. Also many public replies stated before legally deal or not we are out in March as they made it law.