Lib Dems Secure Impressive By-Election Wins

The Liberal Democrats last night secured resounding victories in the County Council and Town Council by-elections in Kendal Strickland and Fell.

In the Kendal Strickland and Fell County Council seat, Peter Thornton achieved an impressive increase in the Lib Dem vote share - from 52% to 60% - whilst the Labour and Conservative vote shares both fell.

Jon Owen also secured victory in the Kendal Strickland Town Council by-election, with 62% of the vote.

The by-elections were triggered following the untimely death of John McCreesh, who sadly passed away recently.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: "On behalf of the local team, I'm genuinely humbled by the support local people have given us to support our fight for real action to help those affected by the floods, to continue the campaign for a stronger local hospital, and to secure affordable homes and decent jobs for local people. Both Peter and Jon are dedicated to our community and will work hard for our area."

Peter Thornton said: "I'd like to thank local residents for their support in this election. As my four-year term as leader of SLDC comes to an end, I'm looking forward to the new challenge of being a County Councillor and joining my colleagues there to fight for our community. John McCreesh did a fantastic job of representing the people of Strickland and Fell, and I will do all I can to continue his good work."

Jon Owen said: "I'm delighted to have been elected as Town Councillor, and look forward to representing the residents of Strickland."

The full results are as follows:

Kendal Strickland and Fell County Council Division Results: (Turnout: 1784 of which 1781 valid votes)

- LD 1067

- Lab 307

- Tory 172

- Green 128

- UKIP 106

Kendal Strickland Town Council Results (Turnout 602)

- LD 373

- Lab 78

- Con 102

- Green 48