The recent Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election was an absolute disaster for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. UKIP came from fifth place in the 2010 general election to second this time with 18% of the vote, pushing the Conservatives into third place – how embarrassing for them.
Labour won the by-election with a commendable increase in their vote that left the Conservatives wondering where do we go from here?
UKIP in many northern seats are the opposition to Labour as the Tories often come in third place and the Liberal Democrats lose their deposit.
The by-election result does not bode well locally for the Conservatives as this is reflected in Crawley with many of the wards/divisions that we have making up our Borough.
The elections coming up in May are set to be a two-way fight between Labour and UKIP and the County elections last May proved that.
Mud slinging and personal attacks continue from certain Conservative councillors in Crawley and really does show how desperate and panicked they are about the upcoming elections.
Anyone with common sense would surely be out there pushing home the message of their achievements and policies, but oh no, not in Crawley.
How weird, considering the elections in May will decide who will run Crawley Borough Council.
Surely, the Conservatives want to retain power and ultimately return Henry Smith as the MP or perhaps being in power for so long is taking its toll?
We shall soon see.