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Jubilant Labour snatch by-election victory

Published: 21st September 2007 01:20

Jubilant Labour supporters scored a significant victory in the Brandwood election last night by taking the seat of former Conservative cabinet member Ken Hardeman.

councillor Mike Leddy councillor for Brandwood Labour election victory Former Perry Barr councillor Mike Leddy won the seat for Labour with a majority of 335 votes, on what was described as a ‘good turnout' for a by-election. He said he was delighted to be back on the city council and promised to work hard to represent the people of Brandwood.

The count at Colmore Junior School took almost an hour longer than expected as the verdict looked like it would be close from the moment the first ballot box was opened.

The Conservatives previously held all three seats for the ward, which falls within the constituency of Labour MP Steve McCabe.

"This is an excellent result," said the MP as the result was announced. "Mike Leddy is an excellent candidate and the issues he was talking about, such as graffiti, rubbish and recycling, are what people are talking about. This is a sign people are not satisfied with local services and they want something doing about it instead of just talking about it."

Conservative candidate Ken Axford denied that the result was a verdict on the three-year record of the city council's ruling coalition. "It's too early to know exactly what cost us votes, but it is to quite a large degree the result of national influences," he said.

Elsewhere in the West Midlands it was a disappointing night for the Tories, who lost control of Worcester City Council.

Despite the Labour success in B14, Steve McCabe MP wouldn't be drawn on any national comparisons however. "This is about Brandwood and I'm looking forward to working with Mike Leddy who has been an excellent member of my team," he said.
A buoyant Sir Albert Bore, leader of the Labour Group on Birmingham City Council declared it was a fantastic result.

"Mike Leddy has put his heart and soul into Brandwood. Now we're looking forward to continue the fight back next year," he said.