SHOCKWAVES must be reverberating around Labour Party members locally after a crushing defeat at the county council elections last week.
Some high-profile councillors in top positions have now lost their seats on Nottinghamshire County Council and will be now contemplating a future out of the limelight.
It seems clear people chose not to vote for Labour because of national politic
s rather than the party's record in Nottinghamshire, where the authority gained the top four star rating.
And the expenses scandal certainly played its part, with the media attention on the claims of local MPs Alan Meale and Geoff Hoon no doubt contributing to disillusionment with the party.
But what things lie in store for Mansfield and Ashfield now the Conservatives have taken control of County Hall?
Labour had promised massive investment in the area with things such as a major refurbishment of Mansfield Library, new bus station for the town, a retirement village, technology park off the MARR Road and a new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
With Tories renowned for spending cuts, it is hoped they do not decide to axe any of these projects which could be vital for the long-term regeneration of the area.
Only with time will we really be able to tell how the direction of the county council will change under its new leadership.
