The long-awaited Liberal Democrat revival in their traditional strongholds finally transpired. But the independents also made big gains.
The Lib Dems have made net gains of 400 seats, so far.
Could the Yellow Party take control of Lewes, St Albans, Winchester, Teignbridge, Guildford – even Wokingham?
That is bigger than the size of Surrey. The MOD also holds “rights” to another half a million acres.
The Government has rightly become more ambitious – but there is still further to go.
Maybe it was ever thus, at least in modern times, but Tory-held suburban seats outside the South-East are under-represented at the top table.
The Government has heard the message, and is dropping the mayoral requirement for rural counties seeking increased devolved power.
A key problem for Farron’s party is that Labour is competitive among young people – many of whom have not forgiven it for tuition fees.
Net gains for the Conservatives in England 319 seats, net Labour losses 142, net UKIP loses 137, net Lib Dem losses 28.
The Lib Dems will gain seats, but gaining councils is another matter.
Andy Street is the right candidate in the right place at the right time.
They take place three months from tomorrow – as will Birmingham’s mayoral election and that Surrey council tax referendum.
Police numbers have fallen but the human resources team has more than doubled.
He contends that we have become “a classless society” – and will set out in his election address his demands for our EU renegotiation.
More investment in rural transport and digital infrastructure and a voice for our fisherman would make a big difference to local campaigns.