Miliband launches local election campaign after Galloway drubbing
By Alex Stevenson Follow @alex__stevenson
Ed Miliband has launched his party's local elections campaign with a plea to voters that "Labour is changing".
The embattled leader, still reeling after last week's Bradford West by-election defeat at the hands of George Galloway, will need a strong set of election results on May 3rd to restore his credibility.
Last year Labour gained control of 26 councils to take their total to 57. But the Conservatives also managed to hold on to their dominance of local government in England, actually gaining four local authorities to take their total to 157.
In 2012, Mr Miliband announced today, Labour's approach will be to offer to "govern for the whole country" rather than the interests of the "wealthy few" he claims are looked after by the Tories.
"The Tories have abandoned any pretence they can govern for the whole country," he said.
"They have abandoned Middle Britain. They prefer to listen to those who have given millions of pounds to the Conservative party."
Labour hopes to make headway on law and order issues amid ongoing concern about high levels of crime.
Mr Miliband offered a "common sense" approach to policing. This involves a renewed emphasis against antisocial behaviour and "keeping frontline police on the streets", despite spending cuts of 20% at the Home Office forcing police forces to reduce headcounts.
He will also underline his commitment to restorative justice, which involves criminals being forced to "make it up to the victim" where possible. Only one in 30 victims see this approach employed at present.
"When offenders have to confront the consquences of their crimes and meet their victims, they can come to understand what they have done and the damage they have caused," Mr Miliband said.
"This has made some less likely to commit further offences: it puts them back onto the right path."
Elections to councils in England, Scotland, and Wales will be held on May 3rd.
In England, 131 of 353 councils are up for election. In Scotland all 32 local authorities are being contested, while in Wales 21 out of 22 will be electing councillors.
