AS John Prescott conceded in typically earthy language, Labour got "a kicking" in the local council elections.

Even taking into account the inevitable mid-term protest vote, it was an unquestionably depressing result for Tony Blair.

The loss to the Liberal Democrats of a previously rock-solid council such as Newcastle underlines how disillusioned Labour voters have become post-Iraq.

Following the monkey shaking Labour to the core in Hartlepool, Ray Mallon sweeping to independent power in Middlesbrough, and the Liberal Democrats taking over in Durham City, it is another reminder that Labour can no longer take its North-East heartlands for granted.

And we think that is a good thing because dominance leads to complacency.

Hopefully, the longer-term result will be a reinvigoration of local government in the North-East at a time when the region is preparing for its crucial vote on whether it should have a regional assembly.

Mr Blair's only consolation - and it is a consolation he has been lucky enough to rely on throughout his reign as Prime Minister - is that the Conservatives are still not kicking hard enough to be a big enough threat at the next general election.

And with the UK Independence Party hoping to stick the boot into Michael Howard's credibility in the European Parliament polls tomorrow, the Tories can't be too triumphant despite all Labour's bruises.