The parliamentary seat of Ashfield was one our our closest misses in the 2010 general election. In a part of the world that has seen some tough results since 2010, the Broxtowe Town Council by-election in Eastwood saw the Lib Dems and Labour throw everything into the fight, and we won. Here is the Ashfield Lib Dems’ response:
The Liberal Democrats have swept to victory in the Eastwood South ward Town Council by-election with a massive swing. The Eastwood South seat has traditionally been a safe Labour area, with Labour topping the poll there in 2011. However Labour’s grip on the seat was smashed as the Lib Dem candidate David Hallam romped home with 831 votes whilst Labour took just 227, they held onto second place by only 6 votes.
Organiser and Agent Jason Zadrozny said “In 2010 Labour held the Ashfield seat by just 192 votes (0.3%), tonight they were roundly rejected by the residents of Eastwood, David’s majority tonight is three times bigger than the MP’s (she also lives in this ward). No longer can Labour assume that they can take places like Ashfield for granted. No matter what the national opinion polls say nothing speaks louder than votes in the ballot box. Tonight Labour lost this by-election by more votes than they won the general election. This reality check for Labour shows that they stand little chance of making the gains they need to regain the County Council in May’s elections.”
Newly-elected Town Councillor David Hallam said “We fought and won this campaign by working for and with the people of Eastwood all year round. Labour were beaten because they have neglected the people of Eastwood. They have taken our area for granted.”
“People have seen through the spin and lack of substance from Gloria de Piero they will not be fooled by another MP who just uses our area for their own career.
“The people of Ashfield have spoken. There is only one credible challenger to Labour here and that is the Liberal Democrats. In the County Council elections in May people right across Ashfield will have the chance to follow the lead of the people of Eastwood and keep out a failing and arrogant Labour party.”
The result of the Eastwood South, Town Council by election was as follows:
David Hallam Liberal Democrat 831 (64.9%)
John Zalewski Labour 227
Brian Fretwell Independent 221