FOLLOWING the recent election results and the overwhelming victory by Labour, May I firstly congratulate the majority of their candidates, many who were standing for the first time and without doubt have a great interest in the forward thinking of our city.

At the count it was interesting to see that, to their credit, Labour have adopted a very youthful look to their party, which I believe can only be a benefit to the communities they are serving. However my main concern was certain old school individuals’ arrogance, who believe that this is the start of something special and the party is back with vengeance, let’s not forget this is the party that had controlled Newport since the 1970s.

I’m confident the people of Newport can draw there own conclusions as to the progress made under them during that time.

This year was without doubt a protest vote, a massive political backlash to the Con/Lib government.

However let me congratulate the former Labour leader of the council (as I did on the night), the re-elected Bob Bright (Ringland) who made it clear to all his party when concluding his victory speech “let’s not gloat”, I believe referring to the previous council election of four years ago when the then Labour council were ejected from office.

In concluding may I thank all the Shaftsbury residents who voted for change. Ward elections should be non-political it should be community counselling. To this end Bettws has prevailed with Noel Trigg and Kevin Whitehead (Independent).

Congratulations to them both, this I hope will be the start to a possible future movement in council elections

Mike Ryan, Malpas Road, Newport