Local Tories are relying on their past record to get them re-elected at the forthcoming local elections.

The Conservative leader, Robert Ellis, is asking the public to judge them simply on their performance over the last two years.

Meanwhile, the local Labour Party has posted it's election pledges on its website. Their policies include:

• Creating opportunities for economic development
• Preserving and enhancing the natural environment
• Reducing minerals extraction
• Promoting affordable and social housing
• Providing alternatives to private transport and promoting fuel efficiency
• All 3-year-olds to have nursery of playgroup places
• Improving fire-fighting services

The Liberal Democrats too have been setting out their stall, focusing on policing in the community, the condition of roads and pavements, transport and preserving green spaces.

Click here for the more information about the local parties.

Background

Hertfordshire County Council elections will take place on Thursday 7th June 2001, with 77 seats being contested by 258 candidates.

The ruling Conservative administration, led by Robert Ellis, has a four seat majority and is confident of success in next month's poll. Until 1999 the council was controlled by a Labour/LibDem coalition, which fell following a by-election.

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats are prepared to share power if the Conservatives fail to win enough seats, but neither are prepared to share power with the Conservatives as long as Robert Ellis remains leader of the Tory group.

The following candidates are standing for election:

All Saints
 
Frank Escott  Conservative
Kate Scarth  Labour
Beryl Wrangles  Liberal Democrat
 
St.Andrew's
 
Peter Ruffles  Conservative
John Courtneidge  Labour
Jack Coote  Liberal Democrat
 
Hertford Rural
 
Bryan Hammond  Conservative
Peter Warren  Labour
Martin Harris  Liberal Democrat
Lydia Howitt  Green