Lib Dems Win By-Election In New Constituency On Massive Swing

9.46.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Sep 2007

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Chelmsford Borough Council, Cllr Mike Mackrory congratulates Malcolm Taylor on his win.

The Liberal Democrats have gained the vacant seat of Broomfield and The Walthams on Chelmsford Borough Council on a massive 29% swing. The result strengthens the position of the Lib Dems on Chelmsford Borough Council, which now has 25 Lib Dems, 32 Conservatives and no other Councillors. It is also a boost to the prospects of the Liberal Democrats in Saffron Walden Parliamentary Constituency, whose new boundaries will include Broomfield and the Walthams from the next General Election.

The victorious candidate, Malcolm Taylor, expressed his delight at winning. He thanked all the people in Broomfield, Great Waltham and Little Waltham who had voted for him and pledged to do his best for the residents of the villages.

Group Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory added, "I am delighted that the Lib Dem group has gained such a hard working community politician. He will be a valuable member of the Council and a welcome addition to the team."

The full result was

LD 1198 (56.3%) +38.3% on May 2007

Con 742 (34.9%) -19.35%

Lab 76 (3.6%) -4.7%

UKI 57 (2.7%) -6.3%

Grn 53 (2.5%) -7.9%

This gain adds to the five seats gained by the Liberal Democrats at the main round of elections in May 2007.

Related Links:

What The Paper Say: The Guardian

What The Paper Say: Essex Chronicle