Folkestone Central By-election: Result

On a 23% turnout, the Conservatives have won the Folkestone Central ward by-election to Shepway District Council. The full result was:

• Liberal Democrat Maureen Kincaid Speller - 120
• Conservative - 409
• Labour - 237

Shepway remains a Labour Free Zone, with 19 Conservative councillors to 15 Liberal Democrats and no Labour councillors anywhere in the district.

Maureen thanked her supporters:

"Speaking to people who have supported me across the area has been great, and I'd like to thank all those who backed me."

Liberal Democrat agent Miranda Piercy thanked Maureen and praised a good campaign:

"Maureen has been an excellent candidate, and has made a real connection with people across the area. This election was always going to be difficult - and so it proved. However, we have run a good campaign, focusing on the issues and holding the Tories to account for the dramatic failures of the new rubbish collections and recycling scheme."