Tribune – Comment, news and reviews from Britain's democratic left

The collapse at the polls of the Liberal Democrats is expected to be followed by a further financial crisis as the party loses activists and cash right across the country, Tribune has learned.

Labour will go it alone in Wales after an impressive performance under First Minister Carwyn Jones left the party just short of an overall majority.

The Government has confirmed that it will scrap the Graduate Internship Scheme despite trade unions, campaign groups and the Federation of Small Businesses all arguing for its retention – and youth unemployment standing at a 20 year high of almost 20 per cent.

The British National Party was wiped out in Stoke on Trent on May 5. The BNP, at its height under New Labour, managed to take nine seats on the council, but a city badly damaged by Tory cuts took revenge by sweeping Labour back into power.

Labour was the biggest net winner in this month’s local elections, although David Cameron had reason enough to be pleased by the poll dividend his councillors gained from mobilising the ‘No to AV’ vote, as Liberal Democrats bore the brunt of anti-government anger.