Lib Dems win by-election on massive swing

12.40.21am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Sep 2007

Malcolm Taylor, Mike Mackrory, Chris Rycroft, Stephen Robinson and fellow Lib Dems celebrate election win

The Liberal Democrats have gained the vacant seat of Broomfield and The Walthams on Chelmsford council on a massive 29% swing. The result strengthens the position of the Lib Dems on Chelmsford council, which now has 25 Lib Dems, 32 Conservatives and no other Councillors.

The victorious candidate, Malcolm Taylor, expressed his delight at winning. He thanked all the people in Broomfield, Great Waltham and Little Waltham who had voted for him and pledged to do his best for the residents of the villages.

Group Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory added, "I am delighted that the Lib Dem group has gained such a hard working community politician. He will be a valuable member of the Council and a welcome addition to the team."

The full result was

LD 1198 (56.3%) +38.3% on May 2007

Con 742 (34.9%) -19.35%

Lab 76 (3.6%) -4.7%

UKI 57 (2.7%) -6.3%

Grn 53 (2.5%) -7.9%

This gain adds to the five seats gained by the Liberal Democrats at the main round of elections in May 2007.