08/05/2026
Yesterday's election results were a devastating defeat for Starmer's Labour both in Lincoln and nationally as their share of the vote plummeted and they lost a huge number of seats.
Whilst Labour clung on to power in Lincoln, they have a wafer thin majority in the council chamber which could face challenges at any time.
Keir Starmer's government has largely continued the austerity policies of the Tories, despite a massive housing crisis and public services in desperate need of funding.
And in Lincoln, Labour has loyally wielded the axe instead of standing up to the Government for extra funding, as well as providing political cover for Starmer by staying silent amidst the brutal slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, and refusing to publicly support the heroic PCS DWP strike to save jobs.
Anger against Labour was channelled in different directions. Reform UK won several seats in Lincoln for the first time. The Lib Dems gained a seat too. And the Greens won their first councillor.
Amidst this backdrop, we were proud to run an independent trade union and socialist campaign in Carholme over the last few weeks.
Our vote was modest with 48 votes (2%). The Greens with their national profile were seen on this occasion as the more effective way to protest against Labour. It remains to be seen whether Green councillors will vote for more cuts and privatisation on the council and on other councils across the country, or offer a fighting anti-austerity alternative in action as well as in words.
Despite our modest vote share, there was still support for our demands for a mass council house building programme, investment in community facilities, and a fight to restore funding after years of austerity, even if that didn't translate into votes this time round.
Over the coming months, we hope to consolidate our work during the election campaign by building a working-class socialist group locally which campaigns all year round, fights against austerity policies and for the funding that our communities need, and holds politicians from all parties to account. We hope you will join us in this task.