Elections 2011

The Elmbridge Borough elections provided little in the way of surprises with the Lib Dems clinging on to our village with grim determination. One could be forgiven for feeling that yellow peril was spreading when on 5th May we were flooded with yellow rosettes as a mass of over 30 Lib Dems from across the South East descended.

It is all the more creditable that in spite of this tidal wave of fence-sitting politicos, Jake Delaney was able to achieve such a close result, with only 42 votes separating him and the Lib Dem leader at Elmbridge, Barry Fairbank.

Elsewhere the Conservative vote increased and as a group at Elmbridge we won two further seats, one in Weybridge North and one in Claygate. It seems clear that this is testament to the manner in which the Conservative administration has sought to keep Council tax low, whilst maintaining services at the highest standards.

Of course one can't underestimate the national effect on local politics. If the results are to be believed it seems that the majority of residents in the Borough are broadly satisfied with the coalition, which is perhaps all the more remarkable given the cuts that have had to be made to public spending.

To those who voted for Jake can I pass on his thanks and appreciation for your support.