Labour pundits were eagerly predicting the Lib Dems would be slaughtered in a Sheffield local by-election yesterday, and would simply be hoping to avoid coming last.  The reality was a little different. Labour comfortably held on to their safe Woodhouse seat, with both them and UKIP taking votes from the Conservatives, who were pushed into

The Conservative Party victor of the recent by-election in Medway’s River Ward has resigned after just 13 days in office the local newspaper reports: “Yourmedway approached Mr Craggs for a comment and was told that a full statement detailing the reasons behind his resignation would be released later this afternoon. However, we are led to believe that Mr Craggs was told he must choose b...

Conservative councillor David Craggs has resigned today, less than a fortnight after winning the by-election in River Ward, Medway. Kent News reports: The Gad’s Hill headteacher stood down from his position earlier today. Yourmedway approached Mr Craggs for a comment and was told that a full statement detailing the reasons behind his resignation would be

There were a couple of by-elections last Thursday which I did not report as I was away: Christchurch Ward, Allerdale BC. Con hold. Con 466 (66.1%, +0.9), LD 131 (18.6%, +18.6), Green 108 (15.3%, +15.3). Swing of 8.9% from Con to LD since 2007. Cossall and Kimberley Ward, Broxtowe. Con hold. Con 757 (37.6%, +8.7), Lab 731 (36.3%, +3.5), LD 524 (26.0%, -3.3). Swing of 2.6% from Lab to Con since 2007...

Hilary Benn famously fought the Leeds Central by-election campaign that gave him a seat in parliament on the slogan ‘a Benn but not a Bennite’. Given that even Tony Benn’s offspring feels the need to emphasise repudiation of his old man’s politics, it’s safe to pronounce that particular 30 year old brand of leftism completely

The River Ward by-election for Medway Council on 12 August is a straight fight between Labour and the Conservatives, as the results of the 2007 council elections show. Labour’s defending a seat in a ward which returned one Labour and one Tory councillor, so it can only help that Labour’s candidate, John Jones, was recently given the assistance of one of the Leadership candidates: Ed Mi...

Press Release from Norwich Conservatives Campaign HQ: A former city Tory Leader, a leading member of the business community and a charity worker are amongst the 9 men and women selected by the Norwich South Conservatives to contest the City by-elections due on 9th September. The Executive Committee of the Norwich South Conservative Association have adopted the following candidates: Bowthorpe - Ant...

Only one by-election tonight, unfortunately a lost seat, in a part of the country (north Kent) that is of critical electoral importance: River Ward, Medway UA. Con gain from Lab. Con 617 (44.6%, +5.6), Lab 544 (39.4%, -0.7), LD 104 (7.5%, -0.7), Green 45 (3.3%, +3.3), BNP 39 (2.8%, +2.8), Eng Dem 33 (2.4%, +2.4). Swing of 3.2% from Lab to Con since 2007.

Only the one by-election this week, a gain for the Conservatives: Conservative 617 (44.6; +5.6) Labour 544 (39.4; -0.7) LibDem (Garry Harrison) 104 (7.5; -0.6) Green 45 (3.3; +3.3) BNP 39 (2.8; +2.8) English Democrats 33 (2.4; n/a) Majority 73 Turnout 25.3% Con gain from Lab (There were two parties standing last time who didn’t

Just one by-election this week, in Sitwell ward on Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, following the death of Conservative Councillor Michael Clarke. The Conservatives held the marginal seat, although the council remains under Labour control. The Liberal Democrat candidate Abdul Razaq came fifth (possibly as a consequence of the Liberal Democrats not putting up a candidate