Angela Eagle: The people of Wirral punished the government for failing to protect public services

May 11 2011 By Staff Reporter

LAST Thursday's local elections saw Wirral provide a microcosm for a potential future general election.

The Tory/Lib Dem coalition was beaten at the ballot box while still in its infancy.

The coalition was punished for failing to protect public services and cutting support for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

The extent of the backlash saw the Tories lose a number of seats to Labour while the leader of the Liberal Democrats was heavily defeated in Prenton.  

This was the people of Wirral punishing the government.

I've long argued that this government's cuts are going too far, too fast. Cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, EMA and tax credits on top on the VAT rise are hitting working people and families in Wirral hard.

Out on the door step during this election campaign people were telling me how the decisions the government is making are impacting on their lives.

Many people feel the government is out of touch and not on their side. This was reflected as Thursday's results came in.

While we may not be able to change the government right now, I hope that Cameron and Clegg take note of the message they've been sent.

Finally I'd like to wish all the new councillors across the borough good luck.

I'm certain they will all be fantastic servants to our community and I look forward to working with them.