As election results from many parts of the country started to roll in during the early hours of Friday, change was in the air. Conservatives were losing council seats and the control of councils from Stoke-on-Trent to Plymouth. But would this wave hit the New Forest, home to two Conservative MPs with majorities just shy of 50%?

Both Sir Desmond Swayne and Julian Lewis were in attendance as Labour made local history. As crowds gathered to hear the result of the District Council seat of Ringwood North and Ellingham, John Haywood became the first Labour district councillor elected to New Forest District Council (NFDC) since its inception in 1974.

John, a 50-year-old engineer, has been a town councillor since 2019 and was very nearly joined in the history books by fellow town councillor Peter Kelleher, who finished just a handful of votes behind him. In Ringwood South, both Labour candidates came within 35 votes of success.

This was a particularly important victory for Labour, as the New Forest District Council has traditionally been a Conservative stronghold. The party has struggled to make inroads in this area in the past, so this result represents a significant achievement.

The day’s other breakthrough was the election of Leila Cameron to Fordingbridge Town Council. Leila will bring a fresh voice to the council and is keen to make Fordingbridge a better place for everyone.

Elsewhere in the town council elections, we were sad to lose Helen Wallis-Dowling from New Milton Town Council. Despite a strong showing in the District polling, in which Helen came second, she was unable to secure a place on the town council in a tight field.

Following John’s success in the District Council, he and Peter topped the poll on the town council in Ringwood North. In the south of the town, Glenys Turner and James Swyer faced an arduous wait for the result. With 11 pm fast approaching, it was decided that their ward would go to a recount. Because of the coronation day, this would have to wait until Tuesday. Thankfully, the wait was worth it, with Glenys and James both comfortably elected. Labour is now the largest party on Ringwood Town Council.

One common factor in this success is effective campaigning. Labour was able to engage with voters in the town and effectively communicate its message on key issues. As reported elsewhere on this site, many people have been active in the area outside of the election period.

As we take a moment to reflect on the election results, it is important to express our gratitude to everyone who supported the Labour Party in this endeavour. From the candidates who put themselves forward for election to the campaigners and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the voters who placed their trust in the Labour Party at the ballot box, we owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for your support.