Lib Dems gain seat from Conservatives in Bath with hefty swing

Following last week’s full slate of Liberal Democrat candidates, this week sees three Liberal Democrats for the three (sort of) by-elections this week. The caveat is there are a fourth and a fifth contest too. That pair is for the Corporation of London which, as is common for its contests, sees all-independent battles.

Kingsmead, Bath and North East Somerset

One of the most picturesque urban wards in the country, including the famous Royal Crescent. It’s also a ward which, like the Bath constituency it falls within, has often been a close Conservative-Liberal Democrat tussle with seats changing hands between the parties over the years.

Sue Craig is the Liberal Democrat candidate. Or rather, new councillor:

During the campaign, she broke her foot when out canvassing – get well soon, Sue. Of her experience on the doorsteps, she said:

The people of Bath feel they are too far down the pecking order. Students and tourists are really important for the economy but it’s Bathonians who are the beating heart. I want to get out there and talk to people…

I feel as if the city centre is becoming a place that feels dangerous. It doesn’t feel like Bath – it’s always been genteel, tidy and clean. Now there’s rubbish everywhere and there are homeless people, through no fault of their own. Every morning there’s rubbish everywhere.

I don’t know how much longer we can keep our status as a World Heritage city in this state. I’m really proud of Bath. It breaks my heart to see it in such a mess.

She is also a precision pointer.

Curborough, Lichfield

A Conservative ward with no Lib Dem the one time it was up for election before (in 2015), it has a Lib Dem this time courtesy of Lee Cadwallader-Allen.

Shifnal South and Cosford, Shropshire

Jolyon Hartin was the Liberal Democrat this time in a ward which is home to an RAF museum that is, for my money, rather better than the sibling one in London.

Candlewick and Cheap, City of London Corporation

Two wards, one vacancy in each, eleven independent candidates and no-one else.

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.