Midlands Election 2021: Conservatives Take Control of Dudley
We got our first idea of how the 2021 local elections are going with results on three key councils overnight. And it hasn't been good news for Labour.
DUDLEY
The Conservatives have taken control of Dudley council after securing an overall majority.
They'd previously ran a minority administration - but have gained 12 seats overnight, leaving them with 46 seats - while it was a bad night for Labour who lost 11 seats- taking them down to 24.
Cllr Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council
It had been on a knife-edge for some years, split almost 50-50 between Labour and Conservatives. Before last night, the Tories ran a minority administration.
Elsewhere, there were other early results that came in on Friday.
NUNEATON & BEDWORTH
For the first time since 2008, the Conservatives have control of Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.
They won five seats from Labour in areas which used to be considered Labour heartlands.
DERBY
Counting has been suspended until 4pm in Derby, with two seats which are being defended by Labour still to declare
The council is currently run by the Conservatives thanks to a "confidence and supply" arrangement with the Liberal Democrats and the Reform Party (similar to the arrangement struck by Theresa May with the DUP to help her run the country in 2017).
Before counting was suspended, Labour had held five of their seats, but lost Mackworth to the Conservatives, meaning another "hung council". The Conservatives would be able to continue with their current arrangement.
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