David's Anger at Labour Incompetence
Liberal Democrat David Watts has expressed his anger at Labour incompetence, against a backdrop of Liberal Democrat successes in Government. While Labour has wasted County Council funds the Liberal Democrats have delivered for Newark's young people.
Since making the difficult decision to enter coalition in 2010, thanks to the Liberal Democrats, 2,140 people have started apprenticeships in Newark. The Liberal Democrats have delivered for school age children as well, with 23,940 youngsters benefitting from pupil premium. Alongside this £14.1 million has been invested in Nottinghamshire schools thanks to the Liberal Democrats in Government.
The support hasn't stopped there though. Young families in Newark have benefitted too, with 3,700 two-year-olds eligible for 15 hours early years education each week, thanks to the Liberal Democrats in Government. That's why David is proud to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Newark.
Commenting on Labour's record, David said:
"Labour's record for our area is one of waste and incompetence. Labour-run Nottinghamshire County Council has wasted £500,000 of your money replacing pavements in 'obesity hotspots' to encourage exercise and spent £13.7 million on redundancies - £4 million more than on libraries."
Local Election Results May 2023
A spectacular set of elections both nationally and locally here in Newark and Sherwood!
Overall Lib Dem gains were 405 nationally, which posed a problem for Sky News, whose swingometer apparently was not able to contemplate a set of gains of this magnitude. We exceeded 'Exceeded Expectations'!
Our local gains at the district level saw the addition of our third District Councillor with the victory of Keith Melton in Trent Ward. We also kept 2 of 3 councillors for Southwell, now Karen Roberts and Peter Harris. We were encouraged to see the increase in our share of votes in other seats where we were able to field candidtes. Congratulations to everyone.
We had a very good performance in Southwell Town Council, gaining 10 of the 14 seats for which there were candidates, with 6 of these won in elections and 4 being uncontested. Two Conservatives, one Labour candidate and one Independent were also successful. One place on the council remains to be appointed to.
The Conservatives had a terrible set of district and parish elections, losing about half of their district councillors and many PCs. The final DC result was Conservative 14, Labour 11, Independents 11 (8 for Independents for Newark and 3 for other Independents) and Lib Dems 3. Discussions will take place for some time on the composition of the new administration, which is unlikely to include Conservatives for the first time since 2007.
On behalf of the executive, we are extremely grateful to everyone who stood as candidates, as well as everyone who performed the various roles which were necessary for the campaigns. We are a small party and many of you worked very hard.
We are very grateful for their past work to councillors who have stood down at this election, including Peter Scorer and Stuart Thompstone. Malcolm Brock has stood down from the District, though continues to serve on Southwell TC.
We welcome new members to the party, who were motivated by this campaign. This phenomenon was particularly marked in Trent Ward. Upton support has to be singled out, evidenced for anyone who drove through, by the huge number of LD stakeboards and posters.
Philip Barron
Chair, Newark Liberal Democrats
7 May 2023