2003 South Lakeland District Council election explained

The 2003 South Lakeland District Council election took place on 1 May 2003 to elect members of South Lakeland District Council in Cumbria, England. One third of the council was up for election and the council stayed under no overall control.[1]

After the election, the composition of the council was:

Background

Before the election the Liberal Democrats had 21 seats, the Conservatives 19, Labour 9 and independents 3.[3] 17 seats were being contested with the Conservatives defending 10, the Liberal Democrats 6 and an independent 1 seat.[3] 2 sitting Liberal Democrat councillors stood down at the election, Patricia Himsworth in Arnside and Beetham, and Claire Chorley in Burneside.[3] [4]

Major issues in the election included housing, regeneration, recycling, public toilets,[5] affordable transport and refuse collection.[6]

Election result

The results saw the Liberal Democrats remain the largest party with 23 seats,[7] but without a majority, after gaining 2 seats from the Conservatives in Cartmel and Low Furness & Swarthmoor and 1 seat from an independent in Whinfell.[3] However the Conservatives did take 1 seat back from the Liberal Democrats in Arnside & Beetham to hold 18 seats.[3] Labour remained on 9 seats, while independents dropped to 2 seats.[3] Overall turnout in the election was 44%, with a low of 33.9% in Windermere Applethwaite to a high of 54.2% in Kirkby Lonsdale.[3]

Ward results

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Local elections . 2009-11-10 . BBC News Online.
  2. News: Local council election results. 3 May 2003. The Daily Telegraph. 9 August 2011.
  3. Web site: Local Council Elections May 2003. South Lakeland District Council. 9 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20030606080405/http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/main.asp?page=496. 2003-06-06 .
  4. News: Election: Lib Dem women bow out. 11 April 2003. The Westmorland Gazette. 11 August 2011.
  5. News: Election: Battle lines are drawn in the fight for votes. 11 April 2003. The Westmorland Gazette. 11 August 2011.
  6. News: Election: Candidates in the running. 17 April 2003. The Westmorland Gazette. 11 August 2011.
  7. News: Election: No change of power at South Lakeland District Council. 2 May 2003. The Westmorland Gazette. 11 August 2011.