Conservatives lose Lawley Ward in Shrewsbury

9.48.16am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Oct 2006

Yesterday saw the Conservatives lose a by-election in Lawley Ward, despite the local MP being out on the campaign trail. This reduces the number of Conservatives on Shrewsbury Council to 21 compared to 19 others leaving them with just a two vote majority, it is likely the Conservatives will lose at least one seat in May's local elections which will return Shrewsbury to No Overall Control.

The Conservatives are said to be fuming and are blaming the Liberal Democrats for running a vigorous campaign for their defeat.

The full result:

Independent - 318 votes

Conservative - 298 votes

Pat Aidley - Liberal Democrat - 82 votes

Turnout 35.6%

The Conservatives did however win in Hordley, Tetchill and Lyneal Ward of North Shropshire District Council. There was no Liberal Democrat Candidate, although I do not know the reason.

The full result:

Conservative - 169 votes

Independent - 74 votes

Independent - 40 votes