Labour loses out in Staffordshire

The Labour Party has lost overall control of Staffordshire County Council to the Conservatives.

Labour, which had held the council since 1981, was defending an overall majority of one. It suffered 29 losses.

The Conservatives now have 49 of the 62 seats, after making 23 gains. There are four seats each for the UK Independence Party and the Liberal Democrats.

Labour now has just three seats - two in Burton-upon-Trent and one in the Cannock area.

'Change wanted'

It has no representation in the areas of Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Tamworth.

Staffordshire was one of only four counties in England where Labour was defending an overall majority.

Labour held a seat in the Chadsmoor district of Cannock Chase, but lost four seats to the Tories and one to the Lib Dems.

Sixty-two seats were up for election in Staffordshire

Asked if he blamed Westminster MPs, Labour councillor Derek Davis said: "I think you've got to, to be very honest with you.

"You've certainly got to blame somebody.

"To have a wipe-out such as this is absolutely appalling for the Labour Party and I'm heartbroken to be truthful with you."

Christopher Picher, the Conservative parliamentary spokesman in Tamworth, said: "People want change and they voted for it."

The turnout was 31% in Staffordshire.

All four UKIP seats were gains, while the Lib Dems gained two.

The Staffordshire Independent Group retained a seat while an Independent gained a seat.

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