Massive swing to lib dems: tories on the run

Last night saw an excellent by-election result for the Lib Dems. The Lib Dems won a massive swing from the Tories in the Camelot ward by-election who suffered a humiliating setback.

The result for the by-election for rural Camelot ward of South Somerset District Council which the Tories have easily held for two decades was as follows:

Lib Dem, Chris Perrin – 457 (42.5%) +14.1%
Conservative candidate – 618 (57.5%) –14.1%
Swing – 14.1% Conservative to Lib Dem!
Turnout 52.55%

The Tories clung on to the seat by just 161votes. Their previous majority of 432 was slashed.

At this point in the electoral cycle the Conservatives should be making healthy gains. Instead this upset will mean that they start their local election campaign for next years elections on the back foot.

“On the basis of this result the Conservatives will be losing seats at the local elections next year,” said Tim Carroll, Lib Dem leader on South Somerset District Council.

“This result can’t be dismissed,” said local MP, David Laws. “The turnout was exceptionally high. The Conservatives always struggle when lots of people turn out to the polling stations. Tory support locally is crumbling and more and more people are backing the Lib Dems.”

Previous Result - 1999
Lib Dem 284
Conservative 716

Majority 432
Turnout 47.6% For more information contact Russell Eagling 07976 257 491

Category: Constituency News