LOCAL ELECTIONS 2012: Trafford Council preview
By Sean-Paul Doran and Libby Wilkinson
As Greater Manchester goes to the polls across 10 boroughs, there are few areas that can be sure of their political makeup at this time tomorrow.
On the surface, Trafford would appear to be one of these exceptions.
If you’re a fan of shock results at local elections, history suggests Trafford is unlikely to provide you with one.
The borough has been Conservative-run since 2004 and the party currently hold 37 seats.
Labour, with 22 and the Liberal Democrats with just 4 seats make up the rest of a council that many observers predict will escape relatively unaffected by the 2012 council elections.
Leader of the Council and Conservative Group Matthew Colledge is hoping for an increase in the turnout figures across the borough, which stood at 43.2% for 2011.
“Local democracy affects us all, so it is important people realise the influence their vote has.
Your vote will help influence the shape of your council, those who represent your area and the council’s future priorities.”
With a total of 21 seats up for re-election, including 13 painted Conservative blue, Labour could make real inroads in their attempt to regain control of Trafford Council, something they were accustomed to in the 1990’s.
Broadheath, Flixton and Sale Moor will be seen as possible targets, with just a 3% swing needed to switch hands.
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As Liberal Democrat councillors across the country fight to keep their grip on their wards, Timperley could also change hands tonight.
Incumbent Jane Brophy is standing for re-election but faces the challenge of Conservative’s Mal Choudhury, Green’s Jadwiga Leigh and also Majella Dalton-Bartley of Labour.
Labour could well have a successful night at the polls, and Trafford may not be as clear as it appears on the electoral surface.
David Acton, Labour leader, said: “Living in an open democracy is something we shouldn’t take for granted.
Making your vote count is not only good for your local area but also for the prosperity of Trafford as a whole.”
For the ups and downs on an exciting election night follow @MM_newsonline for up to the minute news and views from around Manchester.
I could not of put that
I could not of put that better myself. I was at the count tonight, I stood for UKIP and it's a bunch of old chums all patting each other on the back for winning their safe seat again.
They walk with their noses high and try to belittle you.
It's disgusting.
The only Trafford council
The only Trafford council could shock us is if they manage to get the counting done before 5am and don't finish last that's without a referendum vote and a drawing of straws in Bury
Trafford council are the
Trafford council are the absolute epitome of broken down, unorganised, uninterested and old fashioned local government. They have stayed Conservative for so long because of the Chesire crews and the old and retiring traditionalists. It’s run by dis-engaged Tory councillors and their 60+ year old administrators who type with index fingers and can’t wrap their head around council policies or a printer! Look at Stretford where’s the resources or hope for young kids? All it is treated as is a through road to Manchester with derelict shops and buildings. But go to Sale or Urmston and it’s a different picture.
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