Amongst the council by-elections held yesterday, there were two in Lib Dem held wards in southern England where – if the Tories were really making inroads into Lib Dem support – the Tories should have been scoring big swings, if not wins, from the Lib Dems.
The actual result? Two Lib Dem holds with increased majorities:
Cambridge City, Trumpington
LD Andy Blackhurst 858 (51.4; +5.9), Con 618 (37.0; +1.3), Lab 109 (6.5;
-2.6), Green 85 (5.1; -4.6).
Swing: 2.3% Tory to Lib Dem
Reading UA, Tilehurst
LD Ricky Duveen 919 (47.8; +6.4), Con 586 (30.5; -0.1), Lab 317 (16.5;
-5.7), Green 79 (4.1; -1.6), The Roman Party 21 (1.1; +1.1).
Swing: 3.3% Tory to Lib Dem



3 Comments
The Roman Party? I’ve looked at the Elecrotal Comission’s page for them, and I’m none the wiser.
But I do like “The Roman Party. Ave!”
Here’s a sort of explanation.
The best thing said about The Roman Party in Tilehurst is: ‘What have they ever done for us?’ 🙂
This result, in the sort of seat the Tories would have to win back off Labour if they’re to be the largest party in the next Parliament, is very poor for the Tories – and they know it. Not especially great for Martin Salter in the ward he lives in, either!