The Liberal Democrats have won the Westfield by-election in York with what was described by a “thumping” victory over Labour.
Former leader of the council Andrew Waller took the seat for the Lib Dems on Thursday night (October 16).
On a turnout of only 28 per cent, he won 1,804 votes, with nearest rival, Labour’s Louise Corson, polling 588.
The by-election was prompted by the death of Lynn Jeffries, who was elected as a Labour councillor but later joined the Lib Dems.
Andrew Waller was declared the winner after a count at Energise in York.
In his victory speech he paid tribute to Lynn Jeffries. “She was a very much loved councillor for the ward.”
He went on: “I’d like to thank the people of Westfield who’ve acknowledged the work that’s been done to campaign to save community services, and that’s something that I will be battling on for in the remaining six months before we’re here again.”
Lib Dem leader Cllr Keith Aspden congratulated Andrew Waller. “Tonight voters have sent a clear message that they feel letdown by Labour and see the Liberal Democrats as the clear alternative in York,” he said
“I have spoken to so many people who feel disillusioned with the way Labour are running York Council – particularly the cuts to basic local frontline services and the plans to bulldoze over the Green Belt.”
The full result
| Party | Candidate | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Democrats | Andrew Waller | 1,804 |
| Labour Party | Louise Corson | 588 |
| UK Independence Party | Judith Morris | 398 |
| Conservative Party | Jason Brown | 113 |
| Green Party | Alison Webb | 87 |
| English Democrats | Sam Kelly | 5 |
Reaction in Tweets
Result at #westfield imminent. #york council leaders past and present having a chat pic.twitter.com/9aH347cFM4
— Nick Morris (@YorkPolRep) October 16, 2014
Liberal Democrat Andrew Waller has been elected as the new #Westfield Ward Councillor with 1,804 votes.
— City of York Council (@CityofYork) October 16, 2014
UPDATED – Lib Dems win York by-election – http://t.co/35zdX7AzjY pic.twitter.com/ZTSq3qko2P
— The Press (@yorkpress) October 16, 2014
Westfield Result: Lib Dems win with 60% of vote. Labour 2nd with 19.6% of vote. #Landslide #Westfield
— Nick Love (@nloveactually) October 16, 2014
A full breakdown of today's results for the @WestfieldWard by-election can be found at http://t.co/ubT6ocmAKJ which saw a 28.5% turnout
— City of York Council (@CityofYork) October 16, 2014
Well that was a bit of a Westfield thumping. Will have to take it on the chin. Well done LDs. Have enjoyed campaigning for Louise though.
— Neil Barnes (@neilbarnes101) October 16, 2014
Landslide victory for @libdems in @cityofyork as voters respond to toxic #labour administration @minsterfm report http://t.co/dbgi3DzO7g
— Gwen Swinburn (@GSwinburn) October 17, 2014
Andrew Waller says he won because people trust him most to make tough decisions on cuts from central govt Defended LDem record in #westfield
— Nick Morris (@YorkPolRep) October 16, 2014
@YorkPolRep 28% is a dreadful turnout. General disillusionment. How to get people to re-engage?
— York Green Party (@YorkGreens) October 16, 2014
A hugely well-deserved victory for Andrew Waller and @yorklibdems in Westfield. A true community champion and a huge asset to York.
— Cadan ap Tomos (@CadanapTomos) October 17, 2014
Standing on the shoulder of giants #rip pic.twitter.com/zKDok4cydm
— Nigel Ayre (@NigelCllr) October 16, 2014