LIB DEMS’ PAUL MAXWELL WINS BIG IN SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.
Liberal Democrat Paul Maxwell yesterday won the by-election for the Somerset County Council seat of South Petherton, winning a seat off the Conservatives.
Compared with the last County Election in May 2009, the Liberal Democrat vote increased, and the Party secured well over 50% of the vote.
The Conservative vote plunged from 1,341 in May 2009 to just 943. In May 2009 the Conservatives had a majority over the Liberal Democrats of 94 votes, but this time the Liberal Democrats won by 390 votes.
The turnout was 42%, and the results was: Lib Dem (Paul Maxwell) 1,333; Conservative 943; Green 108; UKIP 104. In May 2009 the result was : Lib Dem 1247; Con 1341; Independent 285; Green 222.
Local MP David Laws congratulated Paul Maxwell on his decisive victory:
“Congratulations to Paul on his very impressive election victory. Paul secured a stunning win, by turning a majority for the Conservatives of almost 100 votes into a majority for the local Lib Dems of around 400.
“I believe that Paul has been so successful because people can see just how hard he works, and because he has stood up against some very damaging Conservative policies, such as trying to close our waste centre in Crewkerne and the Library in South Petherton.
“Paul’s win sends a very clear signal to the Conservatives in County Hall that they are losing the support of the public in Somerset, and they need to change course.
“I look forward to working closely with Paul in the future to serve the people of the South Petherton County Division.”
Cllr Paul Maxwell said:
“I am delighted with this result, and would like to thank all those who supported me. I now aim to represent every single person in this area, regardless of their political views.
“I believe that this result is a wake-up call to the Conservatives on the County Council, who have been implementing some very damaging policies such as closing waste centres and libraries, and axing rural bus routes. I will stand up for this area, and make the case for different priorities at County Hall.”
Category: Constituency News