THREE Swansea University students have won seats on Swansea Council following the recent local elections.
Mitchell Theaker, John Bayliss and Pearl Sangha collectively won seats in Cockett and Uplands wards representing Labour.
It was a good night for Labour who gained control of the council from the Liberal Democrats and independents.
Labour now have 49 of the 72 council seats, up from 26.
Mr Theaker, who recently lost in the Swansea students’ union presidential election, won one of four seats in Cockett with 1,601 votes (12%) out of a total 13,163.
He said: “I am so pleased to have been elected to represent Cockett ward on Swansea Council.
“We now have a strong Labour council that was elected on a message of hope and optimism which is what our manifesto is all about.
“With real passion and dedication we can show that there is an alternative.”
Mr Bayliss, won one of four seats in Uplands with 1,207 votes (11%) out of 10,745 cast.
He said: “Elections proves that young people can make something of themselves in politics.
“We have drastically reduced the average age of the new administration and will ensure fair decisions are made in the name of Swansea students and all young people in the area.”
Miss Sangha, who also recently lost in the Swansea students’ union women’s officer election, also won a seat in Uplands with 1,099 votes (10%).
“I am so happy to have been elected as part of a full Labour team in Uplands ward,” she said.
“We have got some tough but exciting times up ahead and I cannot wait to get stuck in especially on the bigger issues, such as housing.”
Elsewhere outgoing students’ union president missed out on one of two seats for Plaid Cymru in the Vale of Glamorgan where he stood in the Cornerswell ward.
14 May 2012 | Gemma Parry
