An unfortunate loss in Central. But the Greens worked hard in the ward. Working hard to win is a poor man's PR. Parties win seats in proportion to the work they are prepared to do.


Worryingly high votes for the BNP in one or two places. Mostly thanks to Margaret Hodge cynically talking them up in order to frighten Labour's disaffected core support into turning out. But no councillors this time.

But the government needs to start taking seriously disaffection in deprived areas - not just those that have elected BNP councillors, as some kind of perverse reward for peeing in the tent.

And the solutions need to be provided in a way that unite communities, rather than dividing across racial or religious lines.