Labour experiences gains and losses in first post-Budget by-elections

Published on Friday 24 April 2009 11:25

LABOUR scored a shock by-election gain against Tories in the first voting test after the Budget.

Party candidate Keri Theresa Andrews triumphed at Derby Road West, Erewash Borough, Derbyshire in a blow to Conservatives who have been riding high in opinion polls.

However Labour was trounced by Liberal Democrat Steve Guy who took his party from third place to win at Totteridge, Wycombe District, Buckinghamshire on a swing of more than 30%.

Lib Dems also chalked up big switches against Tories at Wanstead in Redbridge London Borough and Alfold, Cranleigh Rural and Ellen's Green at Surrey's Waverley Borough.

To the relief of mainstream parties who have been concerned that the BNP might win European Parliament seats in the June 4 polls its vote in the two wards it fought was below what it has achieved in some other recent by-elections.

Counting is under way for two Scottish by-elections at Aberdeenshire and Highland councils with results expected later today.

RESULTS:

Erewash Borough – Derby Road West: Lab 696, C 584, Lib Dem 301, BNP 205. (May 2007 – Three seats C 846, 808, 797, Lab 602, 566, 510, Lib Dem 415, 398, 328). Lab gain from C. Swing 10.5% C to Lab.

Redbridge London Borough – Wanstead: C 1300, Lib Dem 1030, Lab 694, Green 256, BNP 171, Ukip 33. (May 2006 – Three seats C 1946, 1746, 1617, Lab 1255, 1066, 956, Green 810, Lib Dem 528, 526, 507). C hold. Swing 11.1% C to Lib Dem.

Waverley Borough – Alfold, Cranleigh Rural and Ellen's Green: C 429, Lib Dem 238. (May 2007 – C 529, Lib Dem 167, Ind 57). C hold swing 9.7% C to Lib Dem.

Wycombe District – Totteridge: Lib Dem 733, C 408, Lab 214. (May 2007 – Two seats Lab 557, C 552, Lab 494, C 441, Lib Dem 237, 152). Lib Dem gain from Lab. Swing 32.7% Lab to Lib Dem.