@threegee While that's very true for a lot of the country, around here I think it's just people are sick and tired of the same old getting nowhere, it's like the labour party stick their fingers in their own ears every time the people speak, they just do what they want and ignore us. Brexit comes into it too (though it shouldn't as this was county elections). TBH I think there will be one heck of a cull of labour MPs come the election.
Many are in shock at how many people have moved from labour to conservative in this region, it would have been unheard of even a short time ago. Sadly the conservatives took votes from my party too - like nearly all of em! On the plus side, my party have two parish seats and I know some of the independents have too, and believe me we all want the same.
Definitely a win for Bedlington I think, and a wake up call to the remaining labour councillors. I truly think we'll see some very positive changes once everyone settles in.