Lib Dems local win makes them the largest Party on North Wilts

9.47.01pm GMT Tue 28th Feb 2006

The Liberal Democrat victory in the hotly contested Lyneham by-election means that they replace the Conservatives as the largest Party on the District Council. Meaning that providing the one Independent and one Labour Councillors do not back the Tories, Lib Dem Cllr Carol O'Gorman will carry-on leading North Wiltshire Council.

The Lyneham by-election was the first time in living memory that the Liberal Democrats had gained a Conservative seat in North Wilts and the first time ever that the Party won more than half the vote in Lyneham.

North Wilts Liberal Democrat Chair Sara Peterson said "Local people know the Lib Dems are the alternative to the Tories but worry that we don't quite manage to win when it matters. Lyneham shows that this has changed. When it really mattered a good local candidate backed by a strong campaign team meant the people of Bradenstoke & Lyneham and the villages of Bushton, Clyffe Pypard and Tockenham came out to vote Lib Dem and put John in."