Tories in Minority on Mid Suffolk as Lib Dems win again!

1.35.47pm GMT Sat 26th Nov 2005

Liberal Democrats in Mid Suffolk were celebrating a big winning margin in Thursday's Mid Suffolk District By-election in Bramford & Blakenham Ward.

John Field campaigned for more sports facilities in Bramford & Blakenham

John Field, who also serves on Suffolk County Council, recorded 536 votes, more than 64%, a winning margin of 307 votes over Conservative Michael Damant who polled 229 votes. Labour's Suzanne Britton finished third with 68 votes.

The election follows the death of former Conservative council leader Roger Saunders.

The result means that the ruling Conservatives on Mid Suffolk have less than half of the 40 council seats, relying on four Independent councillors to make policy and vote with them.

Commenting on the result, Central Suffolk & North Ipswich Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Spokesman Andrew Houseley said: "This is a stunning result; to gain a Seat from the Conservatives is one thing but to win so convincingly is quite special. It is a vote of confidence for an excellent local Councillor John Field, and reward for a campaign which pulled out all the stops. So many people worked so hard for this result. The Liberal Democrats are a growing force in this area and it bodes well for the District Council elections in 18 months time, assuming Tony Blair does not try to tinker with local government in the meantime by abolishing the districts."

The full result was:

Suzanne BRITTON Labour 68

Michael DAMANT Conservative 229

John FIELD Liberal Democrat 536 Elected

Majority 307

The turnout was 26.5%

The Seat was uncontested in 2003.