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Colchester: Tories lose control of council

5:10am Friday 2nd May 2008

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Voters gave the Conservatives a pounding in the Colchester Council elections.

Two senior cabinet members were ousted as the Tories lost five seats - and surrendered overall control of the authority into the bargain.

They remain the largest party on the council, but will need the support of other groups in order to form an administration.

Negotiations will be held in the next few days.

As Colchester voters went their own way on what was a night of Conservative successes in council elections across Britain, the Lib Dems proved the biggest winners in the polls.

They took four seats and now hold 23 to the Tories' 27.

The Labour group also bucked the national trend by boosting their representation from six to seven, while their party was given a drubbing elsewhere.

Their candidate Kim Naish took the Berechurch seat previously occupied by Craig Sutton, who controversially defected from the Lib Dems to the Conservatives last year.

The fast pace of the town's homes growth appears a likely factor behind the swing from blue to yellow and red.

One of the shock results of the night was the victory in Mile End of newcomer Martin Goss, who put concerns about excessive housebuilding at the forefront of his campaign.

He beat sitting candidate Brian Jarvis, the Tories' regeneration supremo, at a canter, attracting almost twice as many votes.

Conservative group leader Robert Davidson said, as the ruling party, his group had suffered from rivals campaigning on single issues that affected individual wards.

"The reality is that the party in control always has brickbats thrown at it," he said.

"It is very easy for the opposition to put forward policies that are undeliverable, while the party in power has to look at the big picture."

Twenty of the 60 seats on the council were up for grabs in the elections.

  • For the full results in each ward, follow the link below
  • More coverage and pictures in today's Gazette
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Your Say YourGazette

A View From Afar, Colchester says...
6:39am Fri 2 May 08

Now perhaps we can get Mile End back for the residents. Martin Goss has a powerfull desire to improve things for local people.

And, that is why he has been supported so strongly in these elections.

Hopefully, we can see an end to the ever constant over development of Mile End. Although, it may be too late! because the Conservatives, led by Brian Jarvis, have already ruined the area without a care.

Brian Jarvis did absolutely nothing about supporting Mile End residents and this result is as much about how useless Brian Jarvis was as much as, hopefully, how good Martin Goss is going to be.

Brian Jarvis was more interested in finding a lost Dentists sign (of course it was in Braiswick) rather than take on the big issues of over development and he was party to the poor decision making regarding the stadium development and local road infrastructure.

Stick to your guns Martin and keep up the good work.


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JANE GIRDLESTONE, far far away! says...
6:56am Fri 2 May 08

I suggest the LD's should have the courage to put Martin Goss on to the planning committee where the electorate will be able to follow Martin's voting record on planning matters for Mile End in the future. Now that should be interesting!

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Alex, Colchester says...
7:06am Fri 2 May 08

Yet again Colchester votes in a different way to national trends. Congrats to Lib Dems and Labour In Colchester, boo to the Tories.

I am sorry that the Lib Dem John Stevens did not get in at Berechurch as he is a dedicated former Colchester councillor with a proven record of representing people 's concerns. I am at least very happy to see Craig Sutton voted out as under the Suttons I feel Berechurch has suffered many years of neglect. Labour won Berechurch I think because of the excellent councillor Dave Harris who commands a lot of respect in Berechurch who is dedicated and has a large personal vote that got Kim Naish in.

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True Red, Colchester says...
7:20am Fri 2 May 08

After Dave Harris got Kim Naish elected in Berechurch isn't it time that Dave Harris replaced Tim Young as the Colchester Labour Leader. Dave Harris is the real voice of Labour in Colchester.

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BNP Supporter, Highwoods says...
7:23am Fri 2 May 08

Well done to BNP Patrick Sullivan for beating Labour in Highwoods. Next time round there will be BNP candidates in St Andrews, St Annes and Highwoods.

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A Conservative Voter, Colchester says...
7:33am Fri 2 May 08

Shocking results for Colchester Conservatives. The idiot or idiots 'who organised'(I use the phrase loosely) their campaign should be sacked. It doesn't bode well for Jill Skalla their candidate for the next General Election.

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Greenstead Resident, Greenstead says...
7:38am Fri 2 May 08

I am a Greenstead resident and I am disappointed that Labour Tina Dopson was re-elected. Fair dues to Labour they ran a very good campaign. The question remains why did she want to represent the area when she won't live here?

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Val, Berechurch says...
7:42am today Fri 2 May 08

Well done Kim Naish and Dave Harris for winning Berechurch for Labour. Dave Harris is the real hero of Colchester Labour. Top Man is Dave. I agree he should be the previous poster Dave should be the Colchester Labour leader- he is a real Labour man.

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Greg, Former Monkwick Resident says...
7:56am Fri 2 May 08

Being a former neighbour of Dave im so proud of this victory. It shows that Dave should be leader of the labour party in Colchester. Congratulations.

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Say It As It Is, Clackers says...
9:04am Fri 2 May 08

If ever a clear message was needed it was given last night. I business interests in Colchester so wasnt entitled to vote myself but thanks to all who did!!

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2410, Mile End says...
9:11am Fri 2 May 08

Martin Goss - congratulations. I went against all my political opinion by voting for you but if you deliver and stand up for what you have advertised then maybe just maybe I will continue my support for you. I will be watching your performances to see whether it was all talk and political spin. Time will tell!

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Reg, Stanway says...
9:15am Fri 2 May 08

Conservative group leader Robert Davidson is away with the birds if he thinks that he can put a positive spin on this result. The VAF and the Community Stadium have and will be a disaster for Colchester. Jill Skalla's general election campaign is already dead in the water. There are too many dead beats in the Colchester Conservative set up. It still has the look and feel of a 1950's men's only club. It needs a clear out from top to bottom and someone to get the bloody local website working.

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Lib Dem Supporter, Greenstead says...
9:21am Fri 2 May 08

Congratulations to Mark Warner for doing so well against Tina Dopson on St Andrews Ward. St Andrews voters missed a great opportunity to elect a local man who would have worked hard for all the people of St Andrews. Mark Warner also did well even though he didn't appear to have much help from the local Lib Dems - shame on them. Well done Mark and better luck next time.

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Sox, Prettygate says...
9:51am Fri 2 May 08

After last night's results the local MP will be even more self satisfied.
Please Tories get your act together and put this man out to grass on his inflated,gold plated parliamentary pension.

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Sdapeze, Colchester says...
9:56am Fri 2 May 08

An excellent result for Colchester. Let us now hope that all the political parties can work together for the good of the town, rather than the big sell-off of our assets and the horrendous house building agendas that the council has adopted over the past few years.

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Obelisk, Old Heath says...
9:58am Fri 2 May 08

Isn't this all about development. It's sad that we're going to see a housing estate built on an Historic Monument of worldwide significance at one end of the town and a Giant Golden Shed on a vital transport link at the other. It's sad to see the Conservative Party, buoyant in so much of the country, supporting the destruction of Colchester. They only have themselves to blame!

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Martin Goss, Mile End, Colchester says...
10:08am Fri 2 May 08

Well what an interesting night. You can rest assured I certainly will be standing up for Mile End and continuing to voice my opinion! I would love to be added to the Planning Committee! Don't expect me to show support for more flats in this town! The shredding machine awaits for those. Remember I live here and will do all I can to represent residents. Thanks for all those that voted and showed faith.

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Bigmouths Strike Again !, Colchester says...
10:21am Fri 2 May 08

So heartening to see one of those duplicitous Sutton pair get his come uppance !

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Bizzelhead, Abberton says...
10:31am Fri 2 May 08

As someone who has lived in Colchester for over 60 years I have never seen such ruin of a town and its assets. Now is the time for it to end. I was not able to vote but I am so glad that so many turned out to vote against the Tories. Well done Colchester

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lolly, Berechrurch says...
10:45am Fri 2 May 08

I Guess Bob Russell's letter to Berechurch residents calling Kim Naish a 'loser' was a poor call for the lib dems. Maybe they should stick to policies and not personal attacks next time!

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A, Colchester says...
10:46am Fri 2 May 08

Martin Goss is a breath of fresh air to Mile End and Colchester. We can see Martin actually doing something for our community unlike some... Thank you Martin!

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Mary, Berechurch says...
10:50am Fri 2 May 08

Well done Kim Naish and Dave Harris who will hopefully be the next leader of the Colchester Labour group.

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Joe Blogger, Colchester says...
10:56am Fri 2 May 08

A message for Mr Davidson - the big picture WAS development.
You and your cronies have overseen the ruin of our Town as the developers lined their pockets with the barefaced support of their out of town Tory friends

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Alan, Great Wigborough says...
11:01am Fri 2 May 08

Well done Lib Dems. Let us restore former pride to Colchester. Now we will see what ECC plans are for Alderman Blaxill School.


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No! I am Spartacus, Colchester says...
11:04am Fri 2 May 08

Conservative group leader Robert Davidson said, as the ruling party, his group had suffered from rivals campaigning on single issues that affected individual wards.


Amazing. He is effectively saying that those with local issues are the reason for the bad conservative result.

Perhaps, as these were LOCAL Elections, if the Conservatives had actually listened to the locals they may have followed the national trend.

I think it just shows the distain that the electorate are held by the local Conservatives....

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Glad, says...
11:11am Fri 2 May 08

So very glad to see that ghastly over-development is rightly punished.

Must try very hard to preserve what is left.

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Walt Jabsco, says...
11:17am Fri 2 May 08

Well done Martin Goss.

Personally my political persuasions aren't towards The Liberals, but I voted for Martin yesterday because he gets off his backside and really works hard for the people of Mile End.


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John Egan, Colchester says...
11:43am Fri 2 May 08

Perhaps we can now get the St Botolph's re-generation scheme sorted out!

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MerylThePeril, Colchester says...
12:36pm Fri 2 May 08

It should be good for Colchester to have no single party with a majority. That will mean more cross-party consensus is needed. Also good to see energetic younger people getting elected - like Martin Goss - and good to see the continued improvement in the Green Party vote as I believe that competition is healthy for everyone!

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Clacton Resident, Clacton says...
1:08pm Fri 2 May 08

Hmmm, interesting. Colchester had a Conservative controlled council which allowed overdevelopment at every turn and it now has a NOC Council.

Tendring still has a NOC Council which allows overdevelopment at every turn as long as it is not int he cabinets back yard.

All parties working together is not always a good thing and can easily end up in the same mess as a single party controlled council - will be interesting to see how the 2 councils compare over the next couple of years in terms of tackling local issues.

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Gayna Gabriel, Colchester says...
1:19pm Fri 2 May 08

I live in the Harbour Ward and wanted to vote Conservative but we haven't had any literature from the Conservative candidate at all. In fact I had to look up who my candidate actually was on the net. Surely if anyone wants our vote they should put some effort into it!!

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NorthernApproach Resident, Colchester says...
1:30pm Fri 2 May 08

cannot believe the BNP won a seat. its a disgrace. shame on highwoods residents. I am so pleased Martin won in Mile End - he has worked so hard for the community and has actually listened to people.

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Angry Conservative Voter, Colchester says...
1:30pm Fri 2 May 08

Colchester Conservatives and Robert Davidson and the people who directed and ran the Colchester Conservative campaign were a disgrace. They ran the campaign in the same clueless manner that they have run Colchester during the past few years. Councillor Davidsoon should P*55 Off and take up something like fishing because he is definely well past his sell by date. I agree with previous posters that this loss has also holed Jill Skalla's general election hopes.

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Flat Foot Soozie, Colchester says...
2:18pm Fri 2 May 08

let's not get too carried away with the whole control of the council issue - when the 70% of the people who didn't bother to vote knows **** well that the average Colchester Lib/ Lab/ con councillor can hardley control their bladder.

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SimonW, Colchester says...
4:00pm Fri 2 May 08

NorthernApproach Resident wrote:
cannot believe the BNP won a seat. its a disgrace. shame on highwoods residents. I am so pleased Martin won in Mile End - he has worked so hard for the community and has actually listened to people.
I think you'll find they didn't..... they came a distant 4th in highwoods (albeit beating Labout into 5th!)

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Old Labour Voter, Colchester says...
4:14pm Fri 2 May 08

Gordon Brown and New Labour are dead men and women walking into the next General Election. Well done Kim Naish and Dave Harris on Berechurch and I agree with other posters that Dave Harris would be a better leader of Colchester Labour than Tim Young. Robert Davidson Colchester Conservatives should resign after gifting the Libdems 4 seats.

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Anti-Bnp Supporter, Colchester says...
10:00pm Fri 2 May 08

BNP Supporter wrote:
Well done to BNP Patrick Sullivan for beating Labour in Highwoods. Next time round there will be BNP candidates in St Andrews, St Annes and Highwoods.
Reflecting the IQ of the population of these areas. As a white voter in the st Andrews ward, I would rather vote for Labour than the racial hatred you guys spout!

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Hera, says...
7:40am Sat 3 May 08

What a great victory for common sense and what a defeat for those who continually support the obliteration of all that is unique about Colchester!
Hang on to the remaining glories of the past for all you're worth, you Colcestrians. Keep the character and the unique style that are left, maintain what green lungs you have for the Town!
Don't forget to work on saving the Old Garrison Church and many other treasures. These are all too soon swept away in the Greed Rush and need careful watch by the locals.

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julie, colchester says...
5:00pm Sat 3 May 08

Well done to Kim Naish for Berechurch. Hope you are as good as Dave Harris, he is a very good local Councillor.

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Jo Sope, Berechurch says...
8:32pm Sat 3 May 08

Well,that's one Sutton gone,can't wait to see the back of the other one.

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Muffdiver, Colchester says...
9:07pm Sat 3 May 08

Is this Kim Naish who lives in Wilson Marriage Road on St Annes?

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Lilse, Lexden Colchester. says...
12:02pm Sun 4 May 08

Congratulations to Mike Hardy, and the Lexden Conservatives who ran a positive campaign on real issues,and not personal attacks as seen on some Lib Dem leaflets circulating in Colchester.

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Cliff, Colchester says...
6:59pm Sun 4 May 08

Mike Hardy didn't have to fight an election because none of the other candidates was trying! If you think some Lib Dem stuff was bad you should have seen the quite disgraceful Tory leaflets in Prettygate and Shrub End.

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Mr Who, Space says...
9:23pm Sun 4 May 08

I personally do not care, The are all there for one reason, And that is to destroy our country. The rich get richer and happier and the poor get poorer and sadder.
The good get trod on and the bad get respected and helped.
You get nowhere if you make an effort and somewhere if you just sit around drinking or taking drugs.
No matter who is in, Things will never change unless they change the government and start looking after the decent respectable people and shoot the baddies.
ps. If you disagree with that then you are not worth the time and are obviously a baddie.
GICSL

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julie, colchester says...
11:04pm Sun 4 May 08

Muffdiver wrote:
Is this Kim Naish who lives in Wilson Marriage Road on St Annes?
Yes he is.

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love colchester, Colchester says...
10:38am Tue 6 May 08

OK, the Conservatives lost seats but they told the truth and did not publish lies and whisper campaigns to discredit the opposition. I feel sorry for the residents of Colchester that they can not see through the lib dem lies for the people they really are! All they care about is discrediting the opposition. What do they do when they get in power? Oh yeah they do NOTHING apart from muck the High Street up. If you vote these people in then you get what you deserve. Oh and by the way is this Martin Goss the same whose father voted in all the development on Mile End? Ask him!

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Oh Dear!!, Colchester says...
3:13pm Tue 6 May 08

It's obvious that not many of you who have left comments are in touch with national politics. The amount of new houses to be built in Colchester has been decided and dictated by the LABOUR GOVERNMENT. The Borough Council are held to ransom with grants for things such as the 'free' bus passes that are paid for by taxpayers. I'm not sure if my memory is playing tricks, but I'm pretty sure the Lib Dems voted in the VAF. And the bus lanes in North Hill? And the High Street? And the split freighters for waste collection? All Lib Dem horror stories.

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Tory Tossers, Colchester says...
7:44am Wed 7 May 08

Love Colchester you are clearly some Tory tosser trying to pass yourself off as a resident!! You sound like one of the councillors who had his arse kicked in the local election! Just accept life for what it is and move on!


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James, says...
2:50pm Thu 8 May 08

Why all the fuss about the local elections. Colchester council isnt run by the elected members. Its run by the non elected officers. The councilors merely sout hot air and check up on 10% of what actually happens on our behalf. Elections in Colchester may make you feel emotive but were really wasting our time.

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sally, says...
1:22pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Anti-Bnp Supporter wrote:
BNP Supporter wrote: Well done to BNP Patrick Sullivan for beating Labour in Highwoods. Next time round there will be BNP candidates in St Andrews, St Annes and Highwoods.
Reflecting the IQ of the population of these areas. As a white voter in the st Andrews ward, I would rather vote for Labour than the racial hatred you guys spout!
ok vote for Fabians then see what you get!
Honesty is not a strong point at Westminster is it?
The Fabians rule us now across all parties kinda explains why they look and sound the same!

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Comments are closed on this article.

Jubilant - Kim Naish celebrates winning Berechurch ward from Craig Sutton. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (77054-16) Buy this photo icon Buy this photo » Jubilant - Kim Naish celebrates winning Berechurch ward from Craig Sutton. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (77054-16)

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