The result in the Hanover and Elm Grove by-election was a close one, but the loss for the Greens is obviously disappointing.

I pay tribute to Green candidate David Gibson, who ran a positive and inspiring campaign.

With the Cityclean dispute in particular fresh in people's minds, it was always going to be a difficult time for the Green councillors.

But while the loss can in part be attributed to mid-term blues and the impact of the huge spending cuts being handed down by central government, it should also be a wake-up call for the Council administration to listen carefully to the concerns of local people - and to reflect them in their work in the city.

I offer my congratulations to Emma Daniel for a campaign well fought.

I think she will serve the city well - and I condemn the misogynistic blogging against her.