Pontefract South (electoral ward)

Overview

The ward is one of 21 in the Wakefield district, and is one of its most marginal. Its marginal nature can be largely put down to the nature of its demographics. The ward takes in traditionally Labour-voting areas of Pontefract, in the form of Chequerfield, Baghill and the Carleton Park estate, along with more Conservative-leaning areas such as Carleton and the outlying villages of Darrington, Wentbridge and East Hardwick. Other areas of the ward, such as the Larks Hill estate, are probably the most locally marginal parts of the ward, their voters swinging between Labour and the Conservatives from one election to another. In December 2010 the ward's electorate stood at 12,090.

Representation

Like all wards in the Wakefield district, Pontefract South has 3 councillors, whom are elected on a 4-year-rota. This means elections for new councillors are held for three years running, with one year every four years having no elections.

At present, the ward is represented by Conservative councillor Geoff Walsh and Labour councillors Tony Dean and Celia Loughran. For several years the ward was represented solely by Tory councillors, however at the local government elections held on 5 May 2011, Conservative councillor Philip Booth lost his seat to Tony Dean, meaning Labour gained representation in the ward once again. At the local elections on 3 May 2012, Labour unseated the Tory group leader of Wakefield Council, Mark Crowther, with their candidate Celia Loughran winning by 605 votes. This means Labour hold the majority of seats in Pontefract South once again.

Election results

Note: The turnout figures below are inclusive of spoiled ballots, except for the 2012 result.