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LONDON ELECTION 2012: Labour’s Valerie Shawcross retains Lambeth and Southwark seat

Summary:

Valerie Shawcross has held her seat in the London Assembly for Lambeth and Southwark, holding off Conservative candidate Michael Mitchell.

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By SWLondoner staff

Valerie Shawcross has held her seat in the London Assembly for Lambeth and Southwark, holding off the Conservative candidate Michael Mitchell.

It was a comfortable win for the Labour candidate, who was elected in 2000 and will now serve her fourth term in the London Assembly.

“This shows people are looking for Labour to speak for them in the Assembly,” said Shawcross. 

“We have to address the cost of living in London and we will make sure Boris, if elected, does this. 

“We will hold this mayor to account and it is clear that people of London expect something different. Instead of cutting we need big investments so we can get our economy going.” 

The Green Party candidate Jonathan Bartley also beat Liberal Democrat candidate Rob Blackie for third place, in another disappointing result for the coalition partners.

Meanwhile, Mitchell expressed pride in his campaign, which saw Conservatives pick up votes from Lib Dems.

“Every four years we get better and better,” he said.

“This is a terrific result, to finish as runner up is something we have not achieved in previous campaigns.

“The work we have done this time around will lead to further success. This has been a difficult time for the party nationally but this result is something to build on for the future.”

Reporting team: Peter Apps, Tristan Carlyle, Sophie Exton, Robin Jellis & Nate Saunders

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