Chesterfield people put their faith in their hard working Labour Councillors once again on a day when Derbyshire County Council went under Conservative control for the first time in 28 years.

Local Lib Dems were crestfallen after their failure to match the boast of Derbyshire Lib Dem leader that they were ‘set for big gains in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire’ when they failed to gain a single seat from Labour.

Toby Perkins, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for chesterfield said: “This was a stunning endorsement of the hard work of Labour Councillors. On a day when Labour has done badly right across the country, local people wanted to show their support for their hard working Labour Councillors, we are incredibly grateful.”

In Brimington, Labour’s Walter Burrows held the seat with a stunning 9.26% swing from the Lib Dems. Elsewhere the Lib Dems failed to take any of their three target seats with Dave Allen and Sharon Blank holding their seats as the Lib Dems failed to make any headway at all in percentage terms, and Council leader John Williams holding on in the face of determined opposition.

The election was also noticeable for an improved Conservative performance across Chesterfield with their vote share rising from 9.14% to 16.56%.

Toby Perkins said: “Obviously it was devastating that Labour lost control of the County Council, they have run such an excellent council, but the combined effect of the expenses scandal and the current performance of the party in the polls was to blame. However I am delighted that in Chesterfield we have held all our seats, some with an increased majority. A big well done to all our Councillors, and thanks to everyone who helped us to fight such a positive campaign.”