Tory local election defeats: blame planning policy?

Nick Stanton

A swing to Lib Dems, Greens and independents seems to cluster round planning problem areas

So the local election results are in and new administrations are being formed. The media analysis is in (worst Tory result since Major, pathetic showing by Corbyn, Remain voters swinging to Lib Dems and Greens, etc) and the caravan has already moved on to the European elections. But at Curtin&Co we’ve been doing our best to analyse not just what happened but also why – and what this might mean for development and housing.

So here are some high level takeaways from a remarkable set of local elections.

Late on election night one FT journalist quoted a Tory campaigner as saying: “There’s a pattern emerging about growth of independents / Liberal Democrats / Greens. Where we have lost most so far is where there are severe planning problems caused by NPPF reforms in 2013.” Was this an ingenious attempt to avoid pinning the blame on Brexit and the lacklustre performance of Mrs May, or is there something in it?

This is premium content. Please subscribe for access.

Only logged in subscribers have access to it. Already a subscriber? Login here

Subscribe to Housing Today 

Subscribe now

Become a member of Housing Today and gain access to …

  • NEWS – Follow the sector’s specialist Housing News service
  • LEARN - Gain access to Housing Today’s Specialist CPD modules
  • INSIGHT - Analysis of the UK’s growing Housing market
  • WIN WORK - Special reports and actionable sector intelligence
  • DATA - Benchmark your business with specialist data and league tables
  • UNDERSTAND - Read leading edge thought leadership from C-suite sector leaders and experts
  • ACCESS - extensive Housing Today archive
  • DISCOUNTS – Special Rates at Housing Today Events
  • EXPERIENCE - Expertise journalist knowledge

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Get access to premium content -  subscribe today

Register to receive daily newsletters