Labour losers put blame on Brown

Labour councillors who have lost their seats are blaming national politics and Gordon Brown for their downfall at the local elections.

Both Ros Griffiths in Flintshire and Torfaen's John Turner say the scrapping of the 10 pence tax relief was a factor.

Mrs Griffiths agreed it was "melt-down" in Flintshire with the party losing 13 seats.

Both former members say Gordon Brown's leadership did not help locally.

"I think a huge mistake has been made with this 10 pence in the pound tax situation. People said they wouldn't vote for Labour for that issue, it has caused us a major problem"
Ros Griffiths, former councillor

Mrs Griffiths, who lost her Broughton seat, said it was too early to think about brokering deals with other parties.

"Things will start happening today - but we certainly weren't in a position this morning to start talking.

"We obviously got to try to make some sense of this whole situation as it turn out, so it's going to be a very difficult time for the next few days."

Mr Turner said the losses in his New Inn ward were due to national and local politics.

"I am very very disappointed into what has gone on this week - I think national politics has let us down - badly."
Ros Griffiths, former councillor

"I think it's a combination of national factors and also some important local factors - such as the closure of the Blaenavon swimming pool and leisure centre. Also a controversial planning application for a domestic waste recycling plant - that was the factors in the New Inn situation."

Asked whether Gordon Brown was to blame, Mr Turner said: "Yes, I think there were a number of things coming across strongly on the doorstep.

"The abolition of the 10 pence rate of income tax that was thought of quite a lot when we were canvassing."

Mr Turner said he had hoped the prime minister would have been more left-wing and said his situation was "very precarious."

"He's not been as successful as you thought he may be in this respect.

"I think there are some lessons to be learned for Labour both locally and nationally - and I think we have got to really think this one through."

Mrs Griffiths said she blamed Gordon Brown for local losses.

"I think you have to say yes, I think a huge mistake has been made with this 10 pence in the pound tax situation. People said they wouldn't vote for Labour for that issue, it has caused us a major problem," she added.

She said: "I am very very disappointed into what has gone on this week - I think national politics has let us down - badly."