Seventh By-election Win in a Row

6.26.22pm GMT Fri 20th Mar 2009

Mrs Marvellous Ford last night became the seventh Liberal Democrat by-election winner in a row in the Newbury Constituency. The by-elections have all taken place since the start of 2008. The swing to the Liberal Democrats in these by-elections has varied between 5% and 12%. Last night's swing in Thatcham South and Crookham was 9%.

"This was yet another powerful indication of the way political allegiances are shifting in West Berkshire", said David Rendel, Newbury's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, following the announcement of the result.

"The broken Conservative promise not to put up Council Tax above the rate of inflation has shown people that the Tories cannot be trusted.

"The cancellation of the travel tokens scheme for elderly people has shown the Tories do not care about pensioners, and about people living in rural areas.

"The Conservatives are seen as arrogant and uncaring."

During the election, the Conservative leaflets concentrated on their MP's support for their candidate. But this seems to have back-fired as the Conservative vote fell, while the Liberal Democrat vote rose sharply.