Council by-elections

There were five by-elections yesterday and a further five in the previous three weeks. Overall these have been weak results for Labour, with the loss of seats in Birmingham and Bury to Tories suggesting the local authority elections in May might not be spectacular. Note also the pattern of the Lib Dems being reduced to derisory votes in urban wards but still being competitive in rural areas where they have organisation.

6 March

Wye Ward, Ashford DC. Ind gain from Con. Ind 323 (43.1%, +11.5), Con 240 (32%, -6.9), UKIP 97 (12.9%, +3.3), Green 55 (7.3%, +7.3), Lab 22 (2.9%, -8.2), LD 13 (1.7%, -7.1). Swing of 9.2% from Con to Ind since 2011.

Ramsbottom Ward, Bury MBC. Con gain from Lab. Con 1398 (47%, +7.6), Lab 1033 (34.7%, -16.3), UKIP 351 (11.8%, +5.4), Green 157 (5.3%, +5.3), LD 38 (1.3%, -2). Swing of 12% from Lab to Con since 2012.

Burnham Ward, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk DC. Con hold. Con 374 (78.4%, +5.6), UKIP 103 (21.6%, +21.6). Swing of 8% from Con to UKIP since 2011.

Clifton North Ward, Nottingham UA. Lab hold. Lab 1179 (41.2%, -9.7), Con 1025 (35.8%, -13.3), UKIP 536 (18.7%, +18.7), Elvis 67 (2.3%, +2.3), LD 56 (2%, +2). Swing of 1.8% from Con to Lab since 2011.

Ethandune Division, Wiltshire UA. Con hold. Con 480 (35.6, -25.1), LD 372 (27.6%, +3), UKIP 236 (17.5%, +17.5), Ind 192 (14.2, +14.2), Lab 69 (5.1%, -9.6). Swing of 14.1% from Con to LD since 2013.

27 Feb

Scotter Ward, West Lindsey DC. Con hold. Con 577 (65.7%, +44.5), LD 301 (34.3%, +20). Swing of 11.3% from LD to Con since 2013 by-election.

20 Feb

Canton Ward, Cardiff UA. Lab 1201 (41.7%, -5.9), PC 972 (33.7%, +14.3), Con 381 (13.2%, +2.4), Green 148 (5.1%, -10.4), TUSC 101 (3.5%, +1.6), LD 80 (2.6%, +0.3). Swing of 10.1% from Lab to PC since 2012.

Bistall Wanslip Ward, Charnwood DC. LD gain from Con. LD 508 (39.6%, +15.2), Con 419 (32.7%, -15.1), Lab 355 (27.7%, -0.1). Swing of 15.2% from Con to LD since 2011.

13 Feb

Kingstanding Ward, Birmingham CC. Con gain from Lab. Con 1571 (47%, +7.3), Lab 1433 (42.8%, -6.8), UKIP 266 (7.9%, +7.9), LD 43 (1.3%, -0.7), NF 33 (1%, +0.1). Swing of 7.1% from Lab to Con since 2012.

Reeth & Arkengarthdale Ward, Richmondshire DC. Ind hold. Ind 273 (76.7%, -11.3), Con 83 (23.3%, +11.3). Swing of 11.3% from Ind to Con since 2011.