Exit of the Moderate Tory MPs
The exit of so many moderate
Tory MPs at the end of this
parliament is clear proof of
the rightward lurch of the
Conservative Party.
Some moderates like Ken
Clarke are retiring, others
including Amber Rudd have
been thrown out, joining
Anna Soubry and others who
have already left the Party.
Most are household names
like Justine Greening, Philip
Hammond and Oliver
Letwin. Local MPs Nicky
Morgan and Sir Patrick
McCloughlin are quitting as
well.
Holding Ministerial
positions, they have all given
years of service to this
country representing "One
Nation" Conservatism.
Despite often challenging
political differences, they
could still hold the respect of
MPs from all political
parties. Moderate MPs are
no longer welcome in today's
Conservative Party, leaving
Boris Johnson and his
bullying Brexit Boys to
pursue his hard right Brexit
deal while promising to
"Unite the Nation".
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