• Labour overturned two Tory majorities to increase its group size from 8 to 10.
• Rugby Labour becomes official opposition to the Tories at Rugby Borough Council

Rugby Labour Party today won two seats from the Conservatives and increased their majorities in other ward races in a dramatic day following the elections yesterday.

Leader of the Labour Group on Rugby Borough Council, Cllr Maggie O’Rourke said:

“The results today show that our candidates have connected with Rugby voters across the borough and they have lent us their support in droves. The swing to Labour has been huge, showing voters are sending a message that they have had enough of twelve years of cuts by Tories nationally, aided and abetted by their councillors in Rugby.

“We’ve broken through to win two formerly safe Tory wards. The direction of travel is clear – Labour can win anywhere in the borough.

“We set out a positive, pragmatic manifesto for change. Our messages are breaking through. People know we’re the only party that has a vision and a plan to take Rugby to where it needs to be.”

“I want to thank everyone who voted Labour. As councillors and as a party we will work in the interests of the whole of Rugby.”

Newly-elected Councillor Michael Moran, who won Admirals and Cawston ward, defeating sitting Tory Councillor Dale Keeling by 1220 to 812 votes said:

“I’m humbled by the result and grateful for the support that people have shown for me from all across the community to get things done. People have responded to positive politics and together, we can get things done.”

John Slinger, newly-elected Councillor for New Bilton ward said:

“I’m honoured to be elected as a councillor in New Bilton, joining a strong Labour group at the Borough Council that’s committed to doing all we can to stand up for the whole community at a time when people are facing the Conservative Cost of Living Crisis, cuts and tax rises under the Tories. 

“By winning against the Conservatives in Admirals and Cawston ward, and Coton and Boughton ward, by our resounding victories in places like New Bilton ward, Benn ward and Newbold and Brownsover ward, and by coming second to the Tories by just 124 votes in Hillmorton, shows that Rugby Labour’s manifesto and our campaign had a very broad appeal.” 

Richard Harrington, newly-elected Councillor for Benn ward said:

“I’m very thankful to the people of Benn for voting for me. The hard work starts now.”

Alison Livesey, newly-elected Councillor for Coton and Boughton:

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been elected by the people of Coton and Boughton. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to deliver for the people in Coton and Boughton and making a positive difference for everyone.”