"Congratulations to Hull Liberal Democrats on storming to victory," says David Nolan H & H PPC

5.00.00pm GMT Mon 5th May 2008

David Nolan Haltemprice & Howden PPC offers his congratulations to Carl Minns, Lib Dem Leader of Hull City Council

" I congratulate Carl Minns and his hard working team on winning five new council seats on Hull City Council in May's local elections," says David Nolan. "This result gives an enormous boost to the fortunes of all Liberal Democrats in Yorkshire & the Humber region."

David was present at the count when it became clear by mid-night that the day belonged to the Liberal Democrats. Taking three seats from Independents who had originally been elected as Lib Dems and two from Labour provided the cause for celebration. Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem Party Leader declared his pride in the party's performance. Hull's contribution provided 15% of the increased number of new Lib Dem councillors nationally.

Alan Johnson, Labour's Minister for Health and MP for Hull West & Hessle, had a very sobering experience as he watched Lib Dem Claire Thomas take the seat for Pickering from Labour. The Pickering team of Cllrs Abi Walker, Serita Bush & Claire is now completely Liberal Democrat.