Big Swing to Lib Dems in Hythe West, but Conservatives retain seat

Despite a big swing from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives held onto the Hythe West seat in the Hythe Town Council by-election. The by-election was caused by the resignation of Conservative Councillor Richard Carroll, elected in May 2007.

The result declared late last night (10 December) was:

• Conservative (Rosemary Griffiths) 556 [54.4%]
• Liberal Democrat (Neil Matthews) 466 [45.6%]

Conservative majority 90. In 2007, the Conservatives took the seats with more than double the Lib Dem vote.

• Stan Hayward Conservatives 839 Elected
• Richard Carroll Conservatives 821 Elected
• Linda Oliver Conservatives 772 Elected
• John Oliver Conservatives 753 Elected
• Alan Hugh Farmer Liberal Democrats 309
• Paul John Roots Liberal Democrats 299
• Dave Murphy The Labour Party Candidate 229

The Liberal Democrats won 3 by-elections (1 District, 2 Town Council seats) in 4 way contests in June 2009.

Liberal Democrat campaign manager Tim Prater said:

"It's never good to lose, but the result shows how competitive Hythe West has become - we've seen a big swing from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats since 2007. Commiserations to Neil Matthews for not being elected last night despite a sterling campaign by the Hythe West team, and congratulations to new Hythe West Councillor Rosemary Griffiths.

"in 2009, of 13 contested elections - all of which were previously held by the Conservatives - between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Shepway, the Liberal Democrats have won five. Going into the New Year, we're confident and upbeat about our prospects across the area. Thank you to all those who have voted for the Liberal Democrats through the year. "