Liberal Democrats retain control of Sutton Council

The Liberal Democrats have won control in Sutton Council local elections after winning 45 of the borough’s 54 seats.

Second were the Conservatives with nine councillors elected. No other parties won seats.

Niall Bolger, Chief Executive of Sutton Council, said:

“I would like to thank all the candidates and our staff for their contribution to a successful election.”

A political party needs 28 councillors to assume control and run the council, directing its policies and actions over the next four years.

The Liberal Democrats have led the council since 1986, making it the longest continual Liberal Democrat administration in the UK.

A total of 208 candidates from 10 political parties contested the election. The London Borough of Sutton is divided into 18 wards, with three councillors on each – making 54 councillors in total.

The three main parties, the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats, had contested all the seats – with each fielding 54 candidates.

The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) fielded 19 candidates, Green Party 16 candidates, Trade Union and Socialist Coalition 4, Keep Our St Helier Hospital Party 4, English Democrats 1, Christian Peoples’ Alliance 1 and one independent candidate.

Turnout was 42.2 per cent – compared to the 70 per cent in the previous local election (which was combined with a Parliamentary Election) in 2010.

At the annual council meeting on 9 June, 2014,  the new mayor will be elected and the Liberal Democrats will announce who the Council Leader will be.

In the interim, Chief Executive Niall Bolger will use delegated responsibilities to lead the authority.

For the full results see www.sutton.gov.uk/voting