Liberal Democrats hold Church Stretton with a 20.34% swing from the Conservatives

11.37.27am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Jul 2005

Liberal Democrats hold Church Stretton

Dr. Charles West and the Liberal Democrats comfortably held the Church Streeton by-election following the retirement of Zigurds Kronbergs. Dr. West secured over 70% of the vote, Dr. West said "I am delighted to be able to carry on Ziggy's good work and hope to serve the constituents as well as he did."

Former MP Matthew Green said: "This huge swing is a tremendous boost for the Liberal Democrats in Shropshire and a notice of intent to the Tories - we are continuing to increase our support. Charles was an excellent candidate and with his detailed knowledge of local

issues and instinctive desire to get the best for people, he will be a superb local councillor. The result is also a vote of confidence in Heather Kidd and South Shropshire's Liberal Democrat councillors - as in other Liberal Democrat led authorities, South Shropshire District has taken huge strides in recycling, affordable housing and efficient service delivery. Conservatives have done little other than stand in the way of these initiatives and are paying the price at the ballot box."

The result in full was as follows:

Dr. Charles West - Liberal Democrat - 637 votes, 71.5%

Mark Wiggin - Conservative - 188 votes, 21.1%

Michael Whitehouse - Independent - 66 votes, 7.4%

Majority 449. Turnout 53%. Swing 20.34% Conservative to Liberal Democrat

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of South Shropshire District Council said "This was the first electoral test in Ludlow constituency since the General Election and the Conservatives did very poorly - the comeback has begun. We hope to continue this next week at the Dittons Prior Ward by-election where the Conservatives are defending a seat where the current Conservative councillor has resigned and her wafer thin majority is a golden opportunity for us to increase our presence on the council. The Bridgnorth team are particularly looking for a bit of help on Saturday 9 July. The constituency is particularly rural and needs some leg work to cover it. Help Bridgnorth and Ludlow Liberal Democrats to strike a blow against the Tories in our road back to winning the Ludlow constituency seat."

To help Contact Richard Stilwell - 01746 761974 or richard@richardstilwell.co.uk.