Old Gore Byelection sees Lib Dems gain ground on crisis-hit Conservatives

2.07.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Apr 2008

Jo Lane: "Thankyou to everyone for the warm welcome you've given me over the campaign"

On Thursday 10th April, residents of the Old Gore ward had the chance to choose a new County Councillor. Following the resignation of Councillor Tessa McLean, the subsequent byelection saw a hard-fought campaign by both Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties. The Conservative Council leadership hung on to the seat they had taken last May, but found their majority was slashed by 8%.

Local Lib Dem candidate Jo Lane put on a strong showing, increasing the Lib Dem vote by over 5% in one of the Tory party's strongest areas. Jo said "I'd like to thank everyone in our area for the warm welcome they have given me on the doorstep. I'd also like to thank everyone who helped my campaign, so many people have given their time and energy to help us deliver leaflets and talk to residents. Congratulations to my fellow candidates, Barry, John and Adrian. I'm sure they would all agree that it has been a pleasure to have such a chance to get to grips with the issues affecting our communities."

The result has sent a clear message to the Conservative-led Council. With the Independent Group and Green Party also receiving support, the successful Conservative candidate was left without an overall majority.Due to worries over their school-closure campaign, mismanagement of money and selling-off of Herefordshire's assets, the Conservatives saw a drop in their support. If this trend is repeated at the next General Election, the Liberal Democrats will see their majority in Hereford and South Herefordshire substantially increase.

10th April 2008 Old Gore Byelection - The results

46% Turnout

Durkin, Barry (Con): 422 (8% down from May 2007)

Gartside, John (Ind): 401 (1.8% down from May 2007)

Lane, Jo (Lib Dem): 241 (5.4% up from May 2007)

Worgan, Adrian (Green): 49 (n/a as did not field candidate at last election)