They lost control of several large (and traditionally Labour) councils, including Newcastle upon Tyne and Leeds.
The UKIP made a much stronger showing in the European Parliament elections, where it increased its number of MEPs from 3 to 12.
The Guardian termed it "the publishing industry’s major assault on the Christmas market," and the occasion is associated with activities, advertising, and booklists previewed in the following day's The Bookseller.
"[2][3] Super Thursday creates a "buzz" around books and, according to Waterstone's national press officer Jon Howells (quoted on 1 October 2009): "In the space of a year Super Thursday has gone from a clever turn of phrase to an essential date in the bookselling calendar.
It has alerted everyone – booksellers, publishers, the media, and ultimately customers, to the incredible array of new titles available, and marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season.