There were two second place finishes for Liberal Democrat candidates in this week’s six principal council by-elections. In Brent (LB), Sarah Dickson recorded an 8.7% vote share increase for the Lib Dems in Kensal Green as the party polled 23.9%, with Labour holding the seat with 53.4% of the vote. There was another second place for the Liberal Democrats in East Hertfordshire (DC). Rob Lambie polled 19.5% in Hertford Heath ward, with no Lib Dem candidate having stood there in May.
The winning candidate was due to represent the Conservatives, but following a problem with their nomination papers, appeared as ‘no description’ on the ballet paper. A similar issue befell the Liberal Democrats in Ryedale (DC), as they polled 10.2% to finish fourth in Derwent, although the party didn’t officially appear on the ballot. The Liberal Party went on to gain the seat from the Conservatives.

In two previous by-elections this week, the party polled 6.5% and 11.1% in Conwy (UA) and Spelthorne (BC) respectively, as the Conservatives held both seats.

Elsewhere, the Conservatives secured a gain from Health Concern in Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire (CC). The Tories won by just 8 votes, increasing its vote share by 9.2% from two years ago. No Lib Dem candidate was fielded in this contest.

In addition, the Liberal Democrats came second in a by-election on Machynlleth Community Council in Powys. Lee Catterall polled 28.3% of the vote as he finished behind an Independent candidate.

The final by-election of 2015 will take place next Wednesday, with Julian Newman standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Aylesbury Vale (DC) ward of Grendon Underwood & Brill.

For a detailed list of last week’s results please click here. If you would like more information on all the forthcoming by-elections and details on who to contact for help, click here.

* ALDC is the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners