Another Liberal Democrat Gain from the Tories

Three principal council by-elections took place this week with a superb gain from the Conservatives and vote share increase in each ward.

In Broadland (DC), there was an excellent gain for the Liberals in Aylsham ward. The campaign which focused on Steve Riley's previous experience and record of working hard as a former councillor, was won with 48.1% of the vote, an increase of 17.1% since the seat was last contested in May 2015. The team fought a hard campaign focusing on Steve Riley's previous experience and record on action on the District Council.

In North Kesteven (DC) the Independents romped home to gain a seat from the Conservatives, who saw their vote share drop by 31.2%. The Lib Dems did not stand in May 2015 when the seat was last contested but this time, Lib Dem Clare Newton received 8.4% of the vote share.

Elsewhere, the Conservatives made a comfortable hold in Redcar & Cleveland (UA) in Hutton ward with 45% and a 343 vote majority. Lib Dem Graeme Kidd finished in second place with 27.4% of the vote which is a huge 10.1% vote share increase since 2015.

Next week will see one principal council by-elections taking place. In Kettering (BC), Lib Dem Mel Gosliga is standing after the Conservative candidate resigned. The Lib Dems will also be hoping to hold a seat in Gainsborough (TC) with Doris Turrell standing for the Lib Dems.

Broadland DC, Aylsham- 17th March 2016

LD Steve Riley 829 [48.1%; +17.1%]
Conservative 654 [38%; +5.6%]
Labour 243 [13.9%; -8.1%]
[UKIP [0.0%; -14.6%]]
Majority: 175
Lib Dem Gain from Conservatives
Percentage change since 2015

Redcar & Cleveland UA, Hutton- 17th March 2016

Conservative 879 [45%; -8.9%]
LD Graeme Kidd 536 [27.4%; +10.1%]
Labour 368 [18.8%; -10%]
UKIP 116 [5.9%; +5.9%]
Independent 56 [2.9%; -2.9%]
Majority: 343
Conservatives hold
Percentage change since 2015

North Kesteven DC, Ashby De La Launde & Cranwell- 17th March 2016

Independent 457 [55.6% +22.9%]
Conservative 296 [36%; -31.2%]
LD Clare Newton 69 [8.4%; +8.4%]
Majority: 161
Independent gain from Conservatives
Percentage change since 2015

* ALDC is the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners