Liberal Democrats were victorious in three of yesterdays eight principal council by-elections. Two gains and a hold were secured as the party continued it’s post-general election momentum in local elections, with Lib Dems winning 7 principal council contests since 7th May. One of the party’s two gains of the day came in Wrexham (UA). Rob Walsh polled 52.2% to complete a gain from Labour by 347 votes. The margin of victory is even more impressive given that there was no Liberal Democrat candidate in the ward’s previous election three years ago. The victory brings the party’s representation on the council up to five.
There was further success in Sussex as Lib Dem Kevin Dixon won in Battle Town ward to secure a gain from the Conservatives in Rother. Optimism was high going into the by-election with the party having been victorious in the ward’s previous regular election in May with a 282 majority. There are now three Lib Dems on the district council.
In Kingston-upon-Thames (LB), the Lib Dems won a by-election in Grove ward for the second time in three months. The party had narrowly won a by-election in the ward in May, holding an 18 vote majority ahead of the Tories. However, the margin of victory was more substantial this time round, with candidate John Tolley winning by 889 votes in securing 59.9% of the vote.
Lib Dem Judith Derbyshire polled 44.9% in Greystoke and Hesket division in Cumbria (CC), although she was ultimately unable to prevent a Conservative hold, missing out by 117 votes. The result bodes well moving forward though, as the party’s vote share increased by 22.4% from two years ago.
There was also a gain for the Conservatives in Gorleston St Andrew division in Norfolk (CC) from UKIP, in a by-election caused by a disqualification.
Elsewhere, the Conservatives successfully defended the vacancy left by new MP James Davies in Prestatyn East ward in Denbighshire (UA), whilst there were also comfortable holds for Labour in Norfolk (CC) and UKIP in Tendring (DC).
In addition to the principal council elections, the Lib Dems in Brecon narrowly missed out on a gain from Labour on the Town Council by just two votes in St John West ward.
Five principal council by-elections will take place next Thursday. Neil Houston is the Lib Dem candidate as the party will be seeking to secure a defence in Long Ditton ward in Elmbridge (BC). Lib Dems will also be standing in elections in Blackburn (UA), North East Lincolnshire (UA) and Westminster (LB), with Labour defending a seat in Caerphilly (UA).
To view the full results from this week, click here, and for more information on forthcoming by-elections and contact details to help, click here.