07/06/09 - Labour Slump in Swindon as Conservatives Win Euro Election

Labour have suffered a humiliating slump in support at the European election in Swindon which would see both the town's Labour MPs lose their seats if the result was repeated at the general election.

The government managed only a paltry 15% of the vote across Swindon, with the Conservatives getting nearly double that and topping the poll on 29%.  Labour were even pushed into an embarrassing third place by UKIP.

Justin Tomlinson, Conservative parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, said, “Swindon’s Labour MPs must be seriously worried after this devastating defeat.  15% is the lowest share of the vote Labour have received in Swindon-wide elections in living memory.

“It’s a clear sign that Swindon’s voters have had enough of Labour and can’t wait to get rid of them”.

Robert Buckland, Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, said, “The people of Swindon have sent Gordon Brown a clear message with this result – give us a general election now.  For a governing party to get just 15% in a town where they have two MPs is a humiliating defeat by any measure.

“But we’re not complacent – the Conservatives will be working hard for every vote in Swindon between now and the general election, which must come sooner rather than later”.

The top five vote shares in Swindon were: 

• Conservative – 12,900 (28.7%);
• UKIP – 10,279 (22.8%);
• Labour – 6,935 (15.4%);
• Liberal Democrats – 4,561 (10.1%);
• Green – 3,253 (7.2%).  

The declaration was made at 9.45pm on Sunday 7 June, following the election on Thursday 4 June.