2002 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council election explained

Elections to Gateshead Council in Tyne and Wear, England were held on 2 May 2002. One third of the council was up for election and the Labour Party kept overall control of the council.^[1]

The election took place with all postal voting in an attempt to increase voter turnout.^[2] This followed a successful trial in two wards in the previous election in 2000.^[3] As a result of the trial turnout rose from 30% to 57.4%, which was higher than Gateshead saw in the 2001 general election.^[4]

Only one seat changed hands in the election, with the Liberal Democrats making one gain from Labour.^[5]

After the election, the composition of the council was:

• Labour 46
• Liberal Democrat 19
• Liberal 1^[6]

Notes and References

1. News: Gateshead . 2009-05-09 . BBC Online.
2. News: Bruce . Unwin . Line-up lists closed for council seats campaigners . . 6 . 2002-04-08 .
3. News: Voters can go to the polls early . . 6 . 2002-04-24 .
4. News: Monkey threatens election sensation . . 1 . 2002-05-03 .
5. News: Colin . Tapping . Labour suffers disappointment in triplicate at mayoral elections . . 9 . 2002-05-04 .
6. News: Election results; Local Elections . . 6 . 2002-05-03 .