Lib Dems Sweep to Victory in Kent County By-Election: Labour Slump to Fourth

Liberal Democrat campaigner Ian Chittenden has won the Kent County Council by-election for the Maidstone North East County Council seat which became vacant following the sad death of Margaret Featherstone.

The result, with an increased Lib Dem majority on the 2005 elections, demonstrates the strong support for the Liberal Democrats in Maidstone. Ian said:

"I am delighted to have been elected. To take over from Margaret Featherstone is both an honour and a hard act to follow. I will certainly try my very best to meet the high standards she set.

"I would also like to thank the residents of Maidstone North East Ward who voted for me and those who have supported me during the election campaign."

Full results:

• Ian Chittenden, Liberal Democrats 1620 (56.3%)
• Conservatives - 831 (28.95)
• Green - 187 (6.5%)
• Labour - 160 (5.6%)
• UKIP - 81 (2.81%)

Labour slipped from 3rd in May 2005 to 4th.