Tories crash to another by-election defeat
By Chris Mead, Press Association in The Independent
Tories crashed to defeat against Labour in the latest council by-elections.
The loss at Dane Valley in Kent's Thanet District follows last week's triple disaster for Conservatives when Liberal Democrats gained three seats from them.
Labour's Thanet victor Sandra Hart scored a net 8.5 per cent swing from Tories who slumped into third place behind Lib Dems.
She is the wife of her party's group leader on the council.
Counting is under way in a second by-election at Ormesby, Redcar and Cleveland Borough with a result expected about noon.
The Liberal Democrats easily defended their Ormesby seat, taking nearly three-quarters of the votes.
The Tories finished last with just 77 votes - behind Skip.
RESULTS:
Redcar and Cleveland Borough - Ormesby: Lib Dem 1084, Lab 210, Ukip 103, C 77. (May 2007 - Three seats Lib Dem 1146, 1082, 1038, C 366, Lab 360). Lib Dem hold. Swing 9.6% Lab to Lib Dem.
Thanet District - Dane Valley: Lab 318, Lib Dem 260, C 222, Ind 130. (May 2007 - Three seats C 639, 629, 615, Lab 558, 554, 482, Grey Party for Lower Council Tax 269). Lab gain from C. Swing 8.5% C to Lab.