A Labour councillor re-elected with a thumping majority said today his party would fight to jam the ascendant Conservatives from taking control of Powys County Council.
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, returned to office with an increased majority for Brecon St John’s Ward, said the council’s Labour group could combine with Independent councillors, thwarting a seven-seat Tory gain with ambitions of controlling the council.
The Tories have had 19 councillors elected, making them the largest political party on the council, and could work with some or all of the 30 independents to take power.
But Cllr Dorrance, who had a majority of more than 700 voters over his Tory challenger, said Labour doesn’t want to see the Conservatives in power in Powys.
He said: “We will be talking. I think the Independents want to keep their reign on power in Powys County Council. So, us Labour councillors will be doing what’s right for our communities and we will be trying to stop the Conservative party getting their hands on the leadership and our public services – something I think that would be very bad for the communities we represent.”
Cllr Dorrance admitted he never took the result for granted, with Labour suffering heavy losses across England and Wales, adding that a strong ground campaign drove the Labour vote, sealing his win.
“It is a really strong result. Obviously, I am thrilled to be re-elected. I think it shows where I have been an active councillor, doing the work on the ground and listening to the community – it’s meant that I have been elected with a stronger mandate than last time.
“That is good news, and a good footing for the general election. It is a nerve-wracking business. People can talk to you on the doorstep, but it’s what goes in the box, that counts."