Liberal Democrats in Newbury are celebrating after Elizabeth O’Keeffe stormed to victory to take a seat off the Tories on Newbury Town Council. The by-election in Victoria ward, caused by a Conservative councillor resigning after moving out of the area, was fiercely fought with no less than seven candidates.
Elizabeth and team worked extremely hard, following advice and templates from ALDC, including support from development officer for South Central, Neil Fawcett.
But the victory belongs to Elizabeth, whose 35 years as a volunteer, teacher and campaigner in the heart of Newbury’s community clearly resounded with residents, particularly in the light of draconian Conservative council cuts at all levels.
The result in full was:
Elizabeth O’Keeffe (Liberal Democrat) 487
Craig Hughes (Conservative) 307
Steve Wallis (Green) 173
Gary Puffett (Labour) 142
David McMahon (UKIP) 118
David Yates (Apolitical) 23
Lee McDougall (Ind) 20
Turnout 34%
Liberal Democrat gain from Conservative
The result last year (May 2015) was:
* Paul Walter is a Liberal Democrat activist and member of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. He blogs at Liberal Burblings.
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