Stroud Labour campaigners are ecstatic as the party rebuilds its position on the Stroud District Council.
The party won 20 seats in last week’s local elections – the highest level since 1996 and a substantial increase on its earlier position of just four members on the Council.
Steve Robinson, District Councillor for Nailsworth and Horsley, and Leader of the Labour Group said: “Residents have given us their clear backing and we are delighted with this result. We stood on a platform to support more affordable housing, regenerate our high streets, rebuild our communities, and tackle the high cost of living. Across the District people have told us this is what they want.”
An increase of 16 seats over their previous four is one of the biggest gains in the country, accounting for over one in twelve of new Labour Councillors elected. Several wards in the district elected Labour Councillors for every available seat. In Cainscross, Stroud Central and Nailsworth wards, Labour attracted more than half the total votes cast.
Dr Simon Opher, local GP and Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Stroud said: “This result sends a clear message to Rishi Sunak and this failing Conservative Government. The people of Stroud demand change. Right across the district, from Cam to Chalford, the message is clear – it’s time for this Government to step aside and let us get on with rebuilding the country.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting residents alongside all of our new Councillors and it’s clear Stroud will be served by a diverse group of extremely capable and experienced people from a range of different backgrounds. I look forward to working with them all as we look ahead to the General Election”
Elizabeth Stanley, Stroud CLP Chair and Cainscross Councillor said: “Labour has pledged to devolve greater powers and substantial funding to local authorities if we win the General Election. The combination of a Labour Government, a Labour MP for Stroud and Labour’s strength on the District Council will enable us to implement the changes residents and businesses are crying out for.”
