Lib Dems take Wiltshire seats from Tories with massive swing

Liberal Democrats have won the Salisbury St. Pauls byelection, taking the seat from the Tories with a massive 34% swing.

Sam Charleston took the seat with 64% f the vote, reducing the defending Tory candidate to just 17% of the vote.

At the same time Lib Dem Lynne Blackwood won the equivalent City Council seat, also with well over half the vote in a three cornered contest.

The by-elections were called after councillor Mary Webb died earlier this year.

Speaking about the result, Sam Charleston said: 

"I'm humbled by the overwhelming support people in my home ward have shown to Lynne and me. We will endeavour to work hard on behalf of St Paul's and all its residents.

Despite national polling showing a surge in Labour vote, this was not seen in Salisbury, whilst the Conservative vote collapsed completely. 

The result last night shows once again that Liberal Democrats in Salisbury are the only challengers to the Conservatives locally and nationally.”