Great win for Lib Dems in Windermere - Colin Jones wins with 61% of the vote!

This morning the Lib Dems are celebrating after they won over 60% of the vote in yesterdays Bowness North by-election. Local family man Colin Jones has been elected onto South Lakeland District Council.

The election was called after previous councillor Hilary Stephenson decided that following her husband Jo's election as Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council, it was not possible for them both to continue to devote their lives to politics and local government at the expense of their family and home. Consequently she decided to step down in order to support Jo politically and domestically.

Yesterday the Lib Dems received 431 votes, the Conservative vote slipped to 248 and the Labour Party received just 29 votes. The election result was amongst the worst Conservative showings locally in recent times.

National political commentator, Mike Smithson of politicalbetting.com, described the result as a 'comfortable hold' for the Liberal Democrats.

Leader of South Lakeland District Council, Cllr Peter Thornton said: "This is a great result and many congratulations to Colin. I look forward to welcoming him to the council and working with him to get things done in Windermere.

"This election was the first electoral test for the new leader of the Conservative group on the council and for their new parliamentary candidate, and instead of seeing any positive change, we actually saw them go backwards. It shows our work on bringing well-paid jobs and more affordable housing to our area are the priority for local people."

Local MP Tim Farron said: "I want to congratulate Colin for his hard work - he will be fabulous on the council. He really is a fantastic community champion. Colin has a real track record of action for Windermere and I know he will continue to do all he can to improve the town and support local residents.

"I am also delighted that local residents backed a positive campaign - our work on bringing investment to our area, our campaign to bring A&E back to Westmorland General and our work to electrify the Lakes Line were things that residents brought up with us on the doorstep and said they supported. These are community campaigns and it is a real confidence boost to know we are working on the issues that matter to local people."