Labour continues stronghold on Doncaster

Labour gained Hatfield from the Independents and Rossington from UKIP to take its tally to 43 Doncaster seats.

The Conservatives lost one seat to have seven, while Working for Mexborough’s tally of three was the same as the last election.

The Independents’ seat count remained the same, at two, while UKIP is no longer represented at Doncaster.

The Labour councillors spoke of working with mayor Ros Jones to continue to drive Doncaster forward.

Coun Jones secured a second term on Thursday, with a 50.92 per cent of the vote meaning second preferences weren’t required.

Coun Bill Mordue, who was voted in at Bentley, said Mrs Jones had taken a ‘basket case’ and turned it into ‘one of the best councils’.

Coun David Hughes said Labour was still going strong.

“It shows Labour isn’t dead and buried,” he said in his acceptance speech after getting voted in at Adwick-le-Street and Carcroft.

Labour’s Coun Glyn Jones, who was returned at Hexthorpe and Balby North, said it was the ‘dawn of a new era’.

“We’re moving forward with jobs and growth,” he said.

“That’s what we need, a compassionate mayor, and we’ve got that in Ros Jones.”

Mexborough was one of the few seats where Labour didn’t get a look in.

Mexborough First councillors Sean Gibbons, Andy Pickering and Bev Chapman were returned there.

“It’s a clear sign of the independent spirit of the Mexborough people,” Coun Pickering said.

“And for that, we give them our thanks.”

The turnout was low, with just 29.35 per cent of Doncaster people voting.

However, it was higher than the last mayoral election in 2013, where just 28 per cent voted.

Returning officer and Doncaster Council CEO Jo Miller said Doncaster was an anomaly.

“It’s not by a huge amount, but I don’t think the trend across the country was to go up,” Ms Miller said.

She paid tribute to her counting team for their hard work across two elections in two days.

The team are ultra professional,” Ms Miller said.

“People from all parties commented on how professional the team is.

“I think when all parties comment, that’s pretty special.”