Council by-elections

There were five council by-elections yesterday. Labour held its three seats, all with positive swings, including a ward which UKIP had previously held. The Tories lost two seats to the Lib Dems showing Lib Dem resilience in non-metropolitan areas where they have strong local organisation.

Aylsham Ward, Broadland DC. LD gain from Con. LD 688 (50%, +16.3), Con 501 (36.4%, -1.7), Lab 188 (13.7%, -1.8). Swing of 9% from Con to LD since 2011.

Silverdale & Parksite Ward, Newcastle-under-Lyme BC. Lab hold. Lab 386 (54.2%, +7.8), UKIP 254 (35.7%, -6.8), Con 58 (8.1%, -2.9), TUSC 14 (2%, +2). Swing of 7.3% from UKIP to Lab since 2011. This ward was won by UKIP in 2007. UKIP won the county council division including this area in May.

Riverside Ward, North Tyneside MBC. Lab hold. Lab 1067 (85.6%, +1), Con 179 (14.4%, -1). Swing of 1% from Con to Lab since 2012.

Llansamlet Ward, Swansea UA. Lab hold. Lab 1368 (75%, +12.4), Con 236 (12.9%, +2.8), LD 113 (6.2%, +6.2), NF 108 (5.9%, +5.9). Swing of 4.8% from Con to Lab since 2012.

Abingdon Fitzharris Ward, Vale of the White Horse DC. LD gain from Con. LD 479 (50.3%, +7.6), Con 378 (39.7%, nc), Lab 96 (10.1%, -7.5). Swing of 3.8% from Con to LD since 2011.