Lib Dems up to second in West Chelmsford AND gain council seats

11.29.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th May 2005

Charles Kennedy says Thank You. "Now we are the only effective opposition to a weakened Labour Government

The Liberal Democrat vote in the West Chelmsford constituency was up 3% and overtook Labour to take second place to the Conservatives. Labour were down 4%. Despite being the "official opposition" and facing an unpopular Government, the Conservatives have failed to make much progress.

The five County seats in Chelmsford Borough scooped by Lib Dems

In the Essex County Council elections in Chelmsford, Liberal Democrats gained a seat from Labour and held four other seats. The total county seats across the Chelmsford Borough are now 5 Liberal Democrat; 4 Conservative; 0 Labour.

Liberal Democrats elected are:

Chelmsford Central - Keith Francis

Chelmsford North - Tom Smith-Hughes

Chelmsford West - Ian Gale

Great Baddow & Galleywood - Maureen Miller

Springfield - Mike Mackrory

Additionally, Liberal Democrat Martin Bracken won the Borough Council by-election for Trinity ward.