A mixed result for the Conservatives in Blenheim Park, with the share of the vote remaining roughly the same at 27%, but the Lib Dem vote fell dramatically and UKIP climbing from 16% to 32% when compared to 2012 (the last local elections).
The result in full:
| Floyd WATERWORTH | UKIP | 851 | 31.7% |
| Helen BOYD | Conservative | 728 | 27.1% |
| Duncan RUSSELL | Liberal Democrat | 529 | 19.7% |
| Dean TROTTER | Labour | 383 | 14.3% |
| Julian ESPOSITO | Green | 194 | 7.2% |
Spoilt ballots: 15
Total Votes: 2,700
Turnout: 33.7%
Obviously I am disappointed for Helen Boyd, who I think would have made a great councillor. I congratulate Floyd, and whilst our political ideologies may be similar or different (I honestly do not know what UKIP want to do for Blenheim/Southend, which I find worrying given I’m probably more involved than 99% of the town in politics!) I respect the choice of Blenheim residents and will do my best to work with him to get the best for Blenheim and the town.
It will certainly be interesting be a three party ward – with one Conservative, Lib Dem and UKIP councillor respectively.
This time next year will certainly be an interesting fight in Blenheim. I look forward to comparing my record of achievement locally against the overwhelming national force.
From a Southend perspective it was a bad night for the Conservatives and I saw some hardworking colleagues including fellow Cabinet member Tony Cox lose their seats, at least in part, due to the national swing.
However I think on certain issues the people of Southend have spoken, particularly with some Independent Party victories in the East. Some of this is, of course, the ‘none of the above’ vote and the UKIP/Independent pact, but others about the tough decisions we have made. We must listen to the town and think hard about the way we move forward, whilst still doing what is right, not necessarily popular, and delivering sound financial management in what is still, and sadly will continue to be, a very tough time for local authorities across the country.
Who will form the next Administration in Southend will be decided over the next few days, with a full council meeting to vote for a new Leader of the Council on 5th June. The make-up of the council makes some for some very difficult sums, for groups to get to the crucial 26 votes required to have a majority. Whatever happens we are certainly in for interesting times at the Civic Centre.