Stunning By-election Success For Lib Dems

Lib Dem Julie White has won the St Mary In The Marsh By-election in a spectacular result. The turnout was nearly 50% - nearly double the usual turnout for a by-election.

The Lib Dem vote doubled in size while Labour who had previously held the seat finished in a disasterous third place.

Julie White said, "I am delighted and honoured to be the new Liberal Democrat Councillor for St Mary In The Marsh. I would like to thank local voters for the trust they have placed in me."

Julie has already started work to improve St Mary's Bay area. Top priorities for Julie are ending the neglect of our area and also improving local Policing. Julie said, "We won this election because we offered local people a real positive alternative. I pledge to work hard to make our area a better place to live for all local people."

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Peter Carroll commented, "This was an excellent result for our party and I know that Julie will be excellent Councillor for the St Mary's Bay area."

He continued, "This result shows that Shepway is ready for a change after years of Conservative rule. This result shows that Labour are no longer a serious force in Shepway and that only the Liberal Democrats can bring the change that Shepway people want."

The Result -

Julie White (Liberal Democrat) - 401 (37%)

Conservative - 365 (34%)

Labour - 262 (24%)

UKIP - 44

1999 Result

Labour - 445 (44%)

Conservative - 357 (36%)

Liberal Democrat - 201 (20%)