Political

Liberal Democrats hold council seat with 77% of the vote

Another week of four council by-elections, this time with one defence each for the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats. The fourth is a ex-independent seat. A full set of Liberal Democrat candidates this week, which is excellent news.

First up, a successful Liberal Democrat defence in Downhall and Rawreth on Rochford Council in Essex:

Congratulations to Craig Cannell and the team. Their campaign rightly paid tribute to the previous Liberal Democrat councillor, Chris Black, who was well known to many in the party and whose tragic death caused by the by-election:

Craig Cannell election leaflet

Local Liberal Democrat chair Steve Tellis had previously said on Chris Black’s death:

I have known Chris for more than 30 years. When he first thought about joining the council, I encouraged him to do that. Since then, he has been a very good councillor and was very well-respected by all the residents. He was a very active councillor who had many important achievements, including his hand in the refurbishment of Rayleigh town centre. He always gave up his time to his residents and they clearly appreciated it as they gave him such a huge majority every time. He was a very thoughtful and very intelligent man.

Over in Bournemouth, Muriel Turner’s candidature meant the Lib Dems contested Throop and Muscliff ward for the first time since 2007:

Up in Bolton, Ukip’s continuing collapse looks to have benefited the Conservatives:

Finally, to Milton Keynes and, thanks to Jane Carr and the team, another of those ‘good third places’ which are rather important to the party’s long-term fortunes:

These by-election results round-ups cover principal authority by-elections. See my post The danger in celebrating parish and town council wins for your own party for the reasons to avoid straying too often into covering town, parish or community council by-elections.

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