Sheffield's 2011 Elections

Before I start about this, here are the results from the local elections here in Sheffield...

• Liberal Democrats 32 (formerly 41)
• Labour Party 49 (formerly 40)
• Green Party 2
• Independent 1

Overall turnout 41.82%

...and now you know that:

Firstly the turnout was very impressive for a local election. Sheffield has traditionally been an apathetic city with small pockets of the middle classes propping the election turnout. This may still be the case but a large student turnout again (remember the scenes at the 2010 general election of people queuing around the block to vote?) has boosted the turnout again this time, with traditional apathetic heartlands showing little change.

However, the "collapse" in the Lib Dem vote has made national news, mainly due a local MP being the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, but in truth there is little to be concerend about. The Torys have always been weak in Sheffield and that doesn't look like changing so with all Lib Dem losses being Labour gains and an "anyone but the Torys" attitude common place, in truth, there is little for Nick Clegg to worry about.

I also put collapse in inverted comers because actually, it isn't a collapse, it is a return to the status quo and little more. The Lib Dems only gained power due to voters frustration with the local Labour administration. National issues may have had an effect, but the incompetency of the Labour council must have played a much larger part, and Lib Dems are now suffering the same. After their incompetent spell in charge (not helped by the local paper it has to be said) the Lib Dems are now suffering the same issue, people are fed up and want an alternative. It is local politics, not some comment on Westminster politics.

It is not the end of the world for the Lib Dems, Sheffield always has been a Labour city, and always will be. Nothing major has happened in these elections, just a return to the historical norm.

PS I will comment on the AV referendum, but my prediction is that the Yes camp will only be saved by No voters apathy and if No does win then a legal challenge will be talked about from the Yes camp due to the lies from the No camp.