Council by-elections

Yesterday's results, including a big swing to Labour in the ward near Watford vacated by former blogger Kerron Cross when he quit politics to become spin-doctor to the Archbishop of York:

Toton & Chilwell Meadows Ward, Broxtowe BC. Con hold. Con 1,081 (56.6%, +8.3), LD 474 (24.8%, -0.3), Lab 298 (15.5%, +1.2), BNP 58 (3%, -4.1). Swing of 4.3% from LD to Con since 2007.

Elwick Ward, Hartlepool UA. Ind hold. Ind 233 (35.8%, -48.8), Con 201 (30.9%, +30.9), Ind 132 (20.3%, +20.3), Lab 40 (6.1%, -9.3), Ind 28 (4.3%, +4.3), LD 17 (2.6%, +2.6). Swing of 39.9% from Ind to Con since 2006.

Preston Ward, North Tyneside MBC. Con hold. Con 1,141 (55.8%, -14.2), Lab 503 (24.6%, -5.4), Public Services not Private Profit 174 (8.5%, +8.5), LD 152 (7.4%, +7.4), Green 73 (3.5%, +3.5). Swing of 4.4% from Con to Lab since 2008.

Bursville Ward, Tendring DC. Con hold. Con 455 (55.2%, -10.5), LD 227 (27.5%, +15.6), Lab 90 (10.9%, +1.1), Green 52 (6.3%, +6.3). Swing of 13.1% from Con to LD since 2007.

Hayling Ward, Three Rivers DC. Lab hold. Lab 487 (53.9%, +21.6), Con 190 (21.0%, -4.7), BNP 170 (18.8%, -11.5), LD 56 (6.2%, -1.4). Swing of 13.2% from Con to Lab since 2008.