Local factors and surprise gains
Local factors and changing patterns of party competition continue to feature in recent by-elections, including two surprising Conservative gains from Labour.
Professors Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher
Warning shots fired
We have a new Prime Minister – and although local elections will be nowhere near the top of her burgeoning agenda, seasoned observers know that the weekly results from up and down the country can be leading indicators of the ebb and flow of political fortunes.
Surprise victories and hopeless causes
For local Conservative associations fighting council by-elections, the misery continues.
Weathering the storm
Local by-election defeats for the Conservatives may be reaching a critical point.
Local elections dilemma
With the final result in the London Borough of Havering declared fully 96 hours after the polls closed, this year’s local elections truly were a slow burn.
Lib Dems and Greens make gains
There are another two Green gains from the Conservatives to report, bringing the total to 14 seats captured over the past year in by-elections.
Going to the polls
This year’s local elections in England and Wales encompass 5,600 seats in 168 councils. Labour is defending the largest number in both countries.
No history of success
The Green Party continues to succeed in some Conservative-supporting areas, despite little or no former presence.
Against the run of play
This month’s set of by-elections includes a first, and two potential ‘last hurrahs’.
Looking ahead to May
It would be wise not to read too much into the results of the small number of contests held during the Christmas holiday period.