Labour gains in Roebuck
Labour’s Sherma Batson secured a decisive victory in the Roebuck by-election last Thursday (9 December). The party’s share of the vote increase by 8.1% and Ms Batson, with a majority of 308, became the first black woman ever to be elected to Stevenage Borough Council.
Councillor Batson, who is married with a teenage daughter, said, “The threatened school closures and anti-social behaviour were the main issues in this election. I would like to thank everyone who put their trust in me and a cross against my name. I will do my utmost to represent Roebuck on the Borough Council and make it a better place to live.”
Ms Batson’s result signals that support for Labour remains strong in Stevenage. The Conservative vote dropped to its lowest for four years and the swing from Conservative to Labour was over 6%
At the count, Barbara Follett, the Member of Parliament for Stevenage, commented, " This is a good result for Roebuck. They have elected a very hard-working Councillor who will fight to save their schools and to keep their streets peaceful".
The results were:
| Sherma Batson (Labour) | 600 |
| Conservatives | 292 |
| Liberal Democrats | 249 |
| Turnout | 26% |
| Swing from Conservative to Labour | 6% |
Victorious candidate Sherma Batson and Barbara Follett MP with Stevenage Labour Party activists following the count at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.
Issued: 10.12.04
Further information
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