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Local Politics Desk
The Labour party must win 1,000 seats in the local elections to indicate they are back in business under new leader Ed Milliband.
As figures stand in current opinion polls the Labour party are currently ahead on 40 per cent, Conservatives behind at 37 per cent whilst Liberal Democrats are at 13 per cent.
This figure would give a Labour a slight lead at 40 per cent if fought under the first past- the-post system.
A report in The Independent, warned: "there is no guarantee that Labour will clear the psychologically important 40 per cent hurdle next month because many people vote differently in local and general elections."
Colin Rallings Professor of politics from Plymouth University said: "If Labour does not make 1,000 gains, it is a failure."
Harsh words from critics, considering predictions for the local elections show support down for the current coalition government only a year after being in government
Figures predict Tories could lose 1,000 seats and the Liberals 700. Labour could win as many as 1,000.
Labour leader Ed Miliband, camapaigned at a local election launch, and said: "we will be your voice in tough times" - arguing reductions in councils' spending power will hit the poorest areas the hardest adding he will be the "first line of defence against government spending cuts"
"Cuts designed by David Cameron and Nick Clegg are coming direct from Downing Street to your street."
Figures from the BBC, last week, suggested: "the Lib Dems will see a drop in the number of councillors they are fielding in England - from 63% of seats in 2007 to 59%. The Conservatives will contest 93.6% - up from 88.3% while Labour also saw an increase in candidates - notably in the south of the country - from around 60% to more than 71%."
The local elections will take place on 5 May.
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