THE Labour party has secured control of Redditch Borough Council after they won seven seats to the Conservatives’ two at the local elections.
Cheers filled the hall from the Labour supporters and candidates after Councillor Bill Hartnett made his speech following the result.
He said: “They said it couldn’t be done and that Labour were going to lose and we had a majority of just one. This was a victory for our proud record and our future programme and I thank Redditch whole heartedly for putting its faith in Labour.”
Matchborough was one of the closest counts with just 46 votes separating labour and Conservative and Ukip just 164 votes behind them. Councillor for the ward, John Fisher said: “We have out a lot into keeping control of the council and we have achieved such a lot in difficult circumstances with financial cuts. I feel this is the right direction for the town.”
Coun Joe Baker, who is now in the running for Mayor of Redditch, said he was relieved but pleased by the results.
Coun Mark Shurmer said: “I feel the result is not just for this election but for 19 years of hard work.”
