Thursday 26 February 2015

Local Council By-Elections February 2015

Party
Number of Candidates
Total Vote
%
+/- Jan
Average/
contest
+/- Jan
+/-
Seats
Conservative
 5
1,924
  25.6%
  -5.0%
     385
   -98
    0
Labour
 5
2,696
  35.9%
+13.2%
     539
 +102
  +1
LibDem
 4
   638
    8.5%
   -3.4%
     160
  -122
    0
UKIP
 4
1,136
  15.1%
  +4.0%
     284
 +108
   -1
SNP*
 0
      0

 -15.4%
       0
-1,460 
   0
Plaid Cymru**
 1
   313
   4.2% 
  +4.2%
     313
 +313
    0
Green
 3
   486
    6.5%
   -1.3%
     162
    -85
    0
TUSC
 0
     
   
       
      
    0
Independent***
 2
   233
    3.1%
  +2.8%
     117
  +101
    0
Other****
 1
     80
    1.1%
  +1.1%
     +80
    +80
    0

* There were no by-elections in Scotland.
** There was one by-election in Wales.
*** There were no independent clashes.
**** 'Others' this month consisted of People First (80 votes)

Overall, 7,506 votes were cast over five local authority (tier one and tier two) contests. All percentages are rounded to the nearest single decimal place. Only one council seat changed hands. For comparison see January's results here.

A much better month for Labour, all told. Not only did it come top of the polling pops but managed to take a seat from UKIP in the process. More results like this as we lead into the big day, please.

Apart from that, there isn't a great deal to say. With only five by-elections taking place it's somewhat slim pickings, making wider generalisations problematic and foolhardy. Still, it might be worth noting a squeeze on the UKIP vote spotted in recent polling (and predicted by some pollsters ahead of the general election) doesn't appear to being making itself felt this month, though all these contests took place before the Channel Four mockumentary and BBC Two's Meet the Ukippers.

Next month, as far as I know only four by-elections are scheduled to take place. A disappointing time for trend watchers.

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