How tree massacre felled the Conservatives in Plymouth

A fateful decision to massacre dozens of trees cost the Tories control of Plymouth Council.

Labour gained control of the authority in a result described by the party’s local leader as a “seismic shift” for the city.

One of the local Conservative MPs, veterans minister Johnny Mercer, admitted it had been a “terrible night” for the party - and blamed the council’s decision to fell the trees.

The council leadership was accused of “despicable vandalism” in March when almost 100 trees were felled on Armada Way in the centre of the city.

The destruction was stopped after a judge granted an injunction against the work - saving 16 trees.

Ali White, from Save The Trees of Armada Way, said the Tories had committed “a spectacular act of political suicide”.

“I didn't think anyone expected them to do quite as badly as they did,” she told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

“It's still pretty raw in Plymouth, it's less than two months ago, and people are angry about it, absolutely. And even if they were for the removal of the trees, I think the way it was done really angered and upset people.

“Obviously we can't put the trees back, unfortunately. So we're campaigning to keep the 20 trees that we saved on the night with our emergency injunction, and Labour's deputy has written to us and said that they will keep all the trees, no caveats. So that's really good news.”

Nineteen of the 57 seats were being contested in the city - one third of the council.

The Conservatives had been in control previously with a 23-seat minority, but had suffered a series of resignations and suspensions.

They now have 18 seats and Labour, which had 24, now has 31.

Tories will 'take it on the chin'

Mr Mercer, who represents the Plymouth Moor View constituency, said: "It has been a really terrible night for us here in Plymouth.

"I think there have been a number of factors at play. I think, locally, it has been very difficult. The Conservative Group here has been through a very difficult time. We have seen that reflected on the doors, in the campaign and we have seen that reflected in the results tonight but you know, we take it on the chin."

He blamed the decision to cut down trees in the city centre, saying: "The way the Conservative council did it, particularly at night, I obviously would have done it differently."

Asked whether he would want the Prime Minister to "step things up", Mr Mercer said: "I've been in and out of government, I've been in and out under different prime ministers.

"Rishi Sunak is a different class. He is capable, smart, professional, empathetic, a strong leader and the sort of strong leader this country needs at this time. And it's down to people like me and others to advocate for him."

Tudor Evans, Labour leader of Plymouth City Council, said it was an important moment for the Devon city, saying: “This is a seismic shift in politics in Plymouth.”