Labour Loses By Election to Liberal Democrats After Alleged Corbyn Supporter Stands as Independent
Originally published by Nick Hollinghurst - promoting social democracy as a Liberal Democrat and working for a greener world!
After a close result last time this ward was fought, the Liberal Democrats have now gained the seat. Let not the headline - composed for accuracy - detract from the first class campaign by John Birch, the Liberal Democrat candidate in a by election in Bridgetown Ward for a seat on South Hams District Council. John was ably assisted by Cllr Robert Vint who is already a South Hams District Councillor, as well as being on Devon County Council. Robert recently joined the Liberal Democrats from the Green Party.
The Liberal Democrats comfortably won the seat and the sharp decline of both the Green and the Conservative vote should be noted.The by election took place on Wednesday 27th July, 2016 and the results are given below.
Totnes Bridgetown (South Hams District Council) result:
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT (John Birch): 44.2% (+22.6)
Green: 27.1% (-14.4)
Independent: 21.3% (+21.3)
Conservative: 7.4% (-9.9)
Labour did not (officially) stand.
Labour is of course in a difficult position with the well-publicised split in the party causing them electoral difficulties right across England and Wales. However the result suggests that even had Labour stood an official candidate, the Liberal Democrats would still have won the seat.
John Birch was the only candidate who actually lived in Totnes and campaigned positively on issues that are inmportant for Totnes and South Hams.