Labour gain but Tory share boosted in by-elections

Labour gained from Liberal Democrats at Bristol in the latest council by-elections.

Candidate Brenda Massey took a Southmead seat which Lib Dems had won in 2009.

But Labour later returned another councillor there last year on the same day as the General Election.

In the latest poll Tories surprisingly benefited the most from Liberal Democrats' vote collapse.

Conservatives also comfortably won Essex County Council's Stock division, previously represented by the authority's ex-leader Lord Hanningfield, who was jailed after being found guilty of fiddling parliamentary expenses.

Ukip took second place with Lib Dems dropping to fourth. The result was technically a Tory gain as Lord Hanningfield was no longer in the party's group.

RESULTS

Bristol City - Southmead: Lab 1,109, C 765, Lib Dem 365, Green 120, English Democrats 77. (May 2010 - Lab 1,921, Lib Dem 1,291, C 984, BNP 310, Green 124, English Democrats 120). Lab gain from Lib Dem. Swing 8.6% Lib Dem to Lab.

Essex County - Stock: C 1,820, Ukip 736, Lab 273, Lib Dem 160, Green 80. (June 2009 - C 3,726, Lib Dem 711, Green 493, BNP 442, Lab 297). C gain from Ind. Swing 5% C to Lab.

North Somerset Council - Backwell: Ind 816, C 314, Lab 124, Lib Dem 69. (May 2011 - Two seats Ind 1,603, 1,602, C 778). Ind hold.

PA