 Miliband launched Labour 's campaign for the 2012 local elections with a speech in Birmingham , accusing the coalition government of " betrayal " , and claiming that it " lacked the values " that Britain needed . The Labour results were described as a success , with the party building on its performance the previous year in the north of England and Wales , consolidating its position in northern cities and winning control of places such as Cardiff and Swansea . Labour performed well in the Midlands and South of England , winning control of councils including Birmingham , Norwich , Plymouth and Southampton . Labour was less successful in Scotland than England and Wales , but retained control of Glasgow despite predictions it would not . Overall , Labour gained over 800 councillors and control of 22 councils . 
