Labour celebrates European poll success in Brighton and Hove

The Labour Party more than doubled its vote in the European parliamentary elections in Brighton and Hove, according to the result declared last night (Sunday 25 May).

The party polled 20,414 votes compared with 9,113 at the previous European elections in 2009.

It overtook the Green Party, which topped the poll five years ago with 19,727 but slipped this time to 18,586.

The Conservatives polled 15,626 votes, up from 13,891 last time.

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) attracted 14,205 votes, compared with 7,570 at the previous European elections.

And the Liberal Democrats shed more than 2,000 votes, gaining 4,025 votes, down from 6,410 in 2009.

Leading Labour figures in Brighton and Hove were delighted by the European Parliament election results.

They said that the results indicated that Brighton and Hove City Council and all three parliamentary seats could be expected to return to Labour in the 2015 local elections and general election.

After the count Melanie Davis, who chairs the Brighton, Hove and District Labour Party, said: “After four years of hard work, explaining why Labour is a better choice than the Greens, Tories, Lib Dems or UKIP, we’re delighted by tonight’s result.

“I’m sure all of our councillors, council candidates and parliamentary candidates will now look towards next year’s elections with renewed confidence that our message is being heard loud and clear.”

Councillor Warren Morgan, leader of the Labour Group on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Our win in the Hanover by-election last year, our lead across the city in opinion polls, yesterday’s poll of the marginals and now this show we are best placed to win.

“Our work on the doorstep has won back many local voters to Labour and our positive policies will show we are an administration in waiting.

“If elected we will deliver good quality, basic services to local people.

“These election results show that a year from now, with continued hard work, Labour can look forward to winning a majority of city council and getting on with the job of improving local services for Brighton and Hove.”

Purna Sen, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, said: “This result shows that local people are more interested in effective government than in mere protest.

“I’m confident that a year from now, the voters of Brighton Pavilion will vote for real change instead of just the illusion of change.

“Labour stands for opposition and proposing practical policies, instead of just protesting.

“The next parliament will make decisions that matter massively to the city, the country and, indeed, the planet.

“Work to address climate change, economic inequality, education and the NHS cannot wait. Only Labour can offer a genuine and practical alternative to the coalition.”

Peter Kyle, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hove, said: “It’s time to bring jobs and growth back to our communities and tonight’s election shows voters in Hove believe Labour is the best choice to do just that.

“This result reflects what people have been telling me throughout the constituency.

“For all the talk of a ‘Big Society’, the coalition has spent four years making Britain a less inclusive place, something clearly opposed by the voters of Hove.

“I look forward to working hard over the next year as Labour continues to convince voters that as the party with the best record on social issues, ours would be the best party to deliver in government.”

Nancy Platts, the party’s parliamentary candidate in Brighton Kemptown, said: “Over the last four years issues like zero hours contracts and rising energy bills have made life ever more precarious for working families.

“Voters across the constituency are turning back to Labour’s positive policies on the minimum wage and a commitment to secure employment.”