Boris Johnson sealed a nightmarish first electoral test for Gordon Brown,
surging to a hugely symbolic victory for the Conservatives in London.
Mr Brown suffered humilation across the country as the party lost an
astonishing 331 seats. It was Labour’s worst election night for 40 years,
leaving its local government and campaigning base severely weakened and
ministers fearing for their survival at the next general election.
Councillors were left almost defenceless in the face of the 10p tax row and
economic worries. Labour finished third overall, with just 24 per cent of
the vote. The Conservatives secured 44 per cent on an evening of unbridled
triumph and the Liberal Democrats 25 per cent.
The Tories gained 256 seats and the Liberal Democrats 34
Mr Brown blamed “difficult economic circumstances”.
clipped from: www.timesonline.co.uk