Via the indipendent
Gordon Brown was given a “bloody nose” in his first election as Labour leader, as the results from the council polls were announced early today. Labour suffered heavy losses in the 159 authorities in England and Wales where elections were held yesterday, as Mr Brown paid the price for the economic gloom and his decision to abolish the 10p lower rate of income tax.
The Conservatives had predicted they would gain more than 200 seats, a significant advance which would raise their hopes of victory at the next general election. They predicted Labour would win its lowest share of the vote since records began in 1973.
But with around 50 councils counting ballots today, Labour’s total deficit could hit 250 or 300 before Mr Brown’s pain is complete.