The Daily Telegraph reports that the main parties of British politics have been rocked an “Earthquake” following strong gains for the insurgent UK Independence Party:
David Cameron has said he shares the “frustration” of voters who have shaken the mainstream political parties by backing the UK Independence Party.
The Prime Minister said that people have backed Ukip because they are unhappy at the Coalition’s performance on issues like welfare and immigration – and suggested that their criticisms are justified.
“We’ve got to work harder and we’ve got to really deliver on issues that are frustrating people and frustrating me like welfare reform, immigration and making sure that people really benefit from this recovery,” he said.
Mr Cameron was speaking as results from the local elections showed that Ukip gains have cost the Conservatives and Labour dearly in many parts of the country.
At 2pm on Friday, with around half of the results declared, Nigel Farage’s party had gained more than 100 seats.
The Conservatives had lost 133 council seats and lost control of nine councils. The losses included Basildon and Castle Point in Essex, where Ukip made gains.
The Tories also lost Hammersmith & Fulham and Croydon in London, and Amber Valley in Derbyshire to Labour.
Labour had gained almost 170 seats and control of five councils, a performance that fell short of the party’s hopes. Ed Balls, the Shadow Chancellor, said the results were “not good enough”.
The Liberal Democrats have also suffered heavily losses across the country, despite winning in Eastleigh in Hampshire.
Nick Clegg’s party lost control of Kingston in London to the Conservatives. The council was seen as a key target for the Lib Dems and its loss will put Mr Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, under severe pressure.
Read the rest at the Daily Telegraph
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