Lib Dem wins council seat whilst on his honeymoon!

An interesting mix of results in this week’s by-elections. In the first result of the evening, the Liberal Democrats comfortably held North ward of Seaford  Town Council, which is in Lewes constituency.

LD Nick Norman: 407
Con: 319
Lab: 137
Ind: 74
BNP: 20
The turnout was 23.7%.

The new councillor is currently away on his honeymoon, with new wife Naomi.

In Christchurchward in Cockermouth, the Conservatives retained the seat on Allerdale Borough Council. The seat became vacant after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who had not attended any meetings in a six month period.

Con: 466
LD Roger Peck: 131
Green: 108
Turnout: 24%

This is a two member ward, last contested in 2007 by two Conservative and two Labour candidates. Local activists told me that they have signed up almost 20 new members in Cockermouth during the campaign, including two who specifically quoted the coalition government as their reason for joining the Lib Dems.

A town council by-election in West ward of Marlborough Town Councilsaw the seat retained by the Conservatives. The by-election was caused by the retirement of Conservative Stan Radnedge. The Conservative candidate stood as an independent at the 2010 General Election, in opposition to the new Conservative MP.

Con: 606
LD Steve Pascall: 323

Update: the result for the by-election in Cossall and Kimberley in Broxtowe is

Con: 757
Lab: 731
Lib Dem Elaine Cockburn : 524

In 2007 one councillor from each of Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems was elected in this ward, with the Lib Dem subsequently defecting to the Conservatives last year.