News from Sheffield Labour

Sheffield voters send Nick Clegg a clear message

The result in yesterday’s by-election at Manor Castle Ward has sent a firm message to both Sheffield Liberal Democrats and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg.

Labour’s Terry Fox secured nearly 75% of the vote, with Lib Dem support more than halving since last May’s elections.

Labour’s winning candidate said: “I’ll be thanking those who have put their trust in me first thing tomorrow. In their Spending Review the Lib Dems and Tories say that we are all in this together. The voters of Manor Castle have already worked out that some of us are more in it than others.”

Leader of Sheffield’s Labour Group, Julie Dore said: “People on the doorstep have been telling me that the Lib Dems have let us down. They are not standing up for Sheffield.”

Paul Wood Chair of Sheffield Labour Party said: “We are obviously delighted with this result, firstly it sees the election of a talented councillor, secondly it sends a clear message to the Con-Dem government that Sheffield people will not stand for their communities being ripped apart.

“The voters of Manor Castle have given their verdict on Sheffield’s Liberal Democrats and we will work with communities across the City to ensure that all have that same opportunity next May.”

Local MP Paul Blomfield said: “On the day after the Comprehensive Spending Review Nick Clegg has been sent a very clear message from my constituency in the heart of Sheffield. This is a fantastic result for Labour and a devastating result for the Lib Dems. People are angry about this Government’s attack on jobs, housing and local services. I’m looking forward to working with Cllr Terry Fox in Manor Castle.”

Labour received over 75% of votes cast the Manor Castle by-election. The Liberal Democrats received 11% of the vote, down from 25.6% in May 2010. There was a 17.5% swing from the Lib Dems to Labour and the result now leaves the Lib Dems with a majority of just one seat on Sheffield City Council.

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• Paul Blomfield MP challenges the Chancellor on his unfair cuts - 29 January 2013