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A big thank you to all the people of Prudhoe who supported the Liberal Democrats in the General and County Council Elections. In the County Council elections, Lib Dem candidate Neil Bradbury turned a 777 vote majority for Labour in the County Council elections in 2001 into a mere 16 vote majority this time round. "It was an agonisingly tight race and we got really close" said Neil. "it's always a great honour when people go to the trouble of voting for you and I'd like to thank all the people who voted in the elections for doing so. We were one of the few council areas where turnout went up."

Although Neil didn't win he is still part of the team of district and Town councillors for the Lib Dems in the ward. We are still here to deal with residents problems, whatever they be. Contact us if we can be of assistance.

In addition, the Lib Dems performed creditably in Prudhoe East where, despite an energetic Tory campaign, candidate Darren Levitt took an extra 5% in a seat that the Lib Dems only started standing a candidate in 4 years ago.

The County Council elections showed solid progress for the Lib Dems, obtaining the highest share of the vote across the county, whilst the other two main parties fell back. The Conservatives group leader lost his seat to the Lib Dems who were the only party to gain council seats overall. The County Council now result was as follows: Labour 35 (down 3) Liberal Democrats 14 (up 5) Conservatives 14 (down 3) and Independents 4 (up 1). Although Labour have hung onto a slim majority of 3 seats, it seems likely that they will push through their plans to abolish the middle schools and continue to raise council tax well above inflation.

We want to know what issues you want us to focus on in the next two years. Rather than just assuming we know what you want, please tell us by email or by phoning us on 01661 832933. It will help us to help you.

20th May 2005