Yesterday's by-election result proves that only the Lib-Dems can stop UKIP and the Conservatives

Sandgate Lib-Dem Cllr Gary Fuller has reacted to the election of the first UKIP Shepway District Councillor with a call to all progressive and left leaning voters to get behind the Lib Dems in Shepway. The Harvey Central Ward by-election, which was called as a result of the resignation of Conservative Cllr David Johnson, saw a win for UKIP with the Conservatives coming in second and the Lib Dems coming in third, ahead of Labour, the Greens and TUSC.

The result represented a positive swing to the Lib-Dems after last year's County Council Election, which saw UKIP taking seats from the Conservatives across the district, and served as proof that only the Lib Dems can compete with both UKIP and the Conservatives in Shepway.

Commenting on the result, Gary said:

"This is both a sad and preventable result for Central Folkestone. To those tempted to vote Labour or Green next year I say think again. The Conservatives will rightly pay for their failure to listen to the people of Shepway, but don't give the politics of fear and hatred a voice on Shepway District Council by default. Only the Lib Dems can beat UKIP and the Conservatives. Only the Lib Dems can offer a progressive and positive vision for the people of Shepway. Only the Lib Dems will listen to local people and will fight to make Shepway a better place for everyone."