Hastings Borough Council elections - it was the Observer what won it

Hours after Michael Foster lost his parliamentary seat to his Tory rival Amber Rudd, the local Labour party celebrated winning back control of the council. After a moral-boosting afternoon at the count, Labour ended the day with more councillors than any other party. More than the Conservatives who had earlier been cheering Amber's crowning. More than the Lib Dems who were hopeful of a Clegg Effect boost but ended the week with just one councillor - and one which won his seat by the drawing of lots. And, if you believe the rumour mongers, a councillor who may soon go independent. The controversial BNP were hammered, and the only current independent lost his seat. But, without a doubt, the biggest story was the unexpected rise of Labour. Jeremy Birch will once again be the head honcho at Hastings Borough Council. And, if you listen to people in the know, one of the major deciding factors in the election was the Tories decision to hand over 250,000 to neighbouring Rother District Council. Even if one woman told Cllr Birch "I am voting for you after those Tories gave our cash to Eastbourne." The facts may be wrong, but the sentiment was obvious. The decision to spend money earmarked for Hastings on improving the eco credentials of business units outside the town was a huge own goal. And one the Tories probably didn't recover from. And it the Observer which brought it to the public's attention. As a paper we report the facts without bias. The Observer was actually started by Conservatives to act as a political pamphlet. And, having chewed the fat with Amber this week I genuinely think Hastings has found a strong, passionate person to continue the good work started by Michael Foster. But the fact remains, the Tories on the council will line up at the next meeting in opposition. Perversely it may be an easier position to occupy - especially with far-reaching cuts anticipated in the coming months. Labour also has the little matter of making good on a number of 'said in opposition' comments. The biggest of which will be what it does with Hastings Pier. With the Tories in power, the Labour team made no secret of the fact they would compulsory purchase the structure and hand it over to the Hastings Pier and White Trust. Lee Clark in particular will be under pressure if his party does not now do so - after winning Castle Ward from the Lib Dems with twice the number of votes of any other party. Serious decisions will now have to be made by Labour. And, much like Amber will face a drastically reduced war chest to drive regeneration, so to will the council have to find areas to cut. It is also a shame that a string of competent councillors such as Matthew Lock and the de-throned Terry Fullthrop will no longer be in key roles. The flip-side of course is that the likes of Godfrey Daniel, Phill Scott, Paul Barlow and the emerging Lee Clark will have more of a say. But Cllr Birch et al will not be able to sign as many cheques as they would like. And, for once, the Tory councillors may find it not a bad time to be in opposition. Obviously, as always, this is the view of Richard Morris - and not the Observer. Please treat it as such.