Phil Knowles (3rd from left), Zuffar Haq (3rd from right) & campaign helpers after the Great Bowden & Arden Result (photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter)
Lib Dem Phil Knowles has gained the Great Bowden and Arden ward of Harborough District Council from the Tories. The by-election on Thursday was caused by the resignation of the Conservative group leader last October.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted Liberal Democrat and supported Phil,” said Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Zuffar Haq. “He will make an excellent councillor, bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the role.”
“Many people volunteered to help Phil’s campaign for the first time, which was great to see, particularly when it meant going out in the artic weather we had this month and delivering leaflets.
“The result shows that voters are rejecting Cameron’s Conservatives. Only the Lib Dems have the policies to help those on low incomes and boost the economy.”
Almost two thirds of the people who voted backed the Liberal Democrats. With the General Election just a few months away the by-election is a kick start to the Lib Dem campaign aiming to unseat the Tory MP.
Last time the Conservative majority fell to the lowest margin for 50 years. Labour as usual came third – they did not put up a candidate in this by-election.
Result – Great Bowden and Arden ward of Harborough District Council:
Phil Knowles (Lib Dem) 966 – 62%
Barry Champion (Con) 598 – 38%
LIB DEM GAIN
Swing: 14 per cent from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats.
Posted in Elections