Rollercoaster results for Tories in by-elections

Tories made a shock gain from Liberal Democrats in the latest council by-elections.

Their candidate Bhupendra Dave took an Oadby Woodlands seat in a contest for Oadby and Wigston Borough, Leicestershire.

But they spectacularly failed in two marginal wards.

Labour held on at Ibstock and Heather, North West Leicestershire District, with Lib Dems forcing Conservatives into third place.

Liberal Democrats also easily defended a Worcester Park seat at south London's Sutton Borough.

In the previous main council polls, Tories won one of the three seats in each of these wards.

RESULT

Horsham District - Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham: C 557, Lib Dem 320, Ukip 173, Green 65, Lab 60. (May 2011 - Two seats C 1303, 898, Lib Dem 569, Green 366, Ukip 276). C hold. Swing 1.4% C to Lib Dem.

North West Leicestershire District - Ibstock and Heather: Lab 480, Lib Dem 372, C 357, Ind 125, Green 32, Ukip 26. (May 2011 -Three seats C 970, Lab 748, 693, 685, C 648, 612, Ind 420, Lib Dem 355, 161, 156). Lab hold. Swing 7.6% Lab to Lib Dem.

Oadby and Wigston Borough - Oadby Woodlands: C 454, Lib Dem 360, Ukip 151. (May 2011 - Two seats Lib Dem 865, 785, C 628, 557). C gain from Lib Dem. Swing 13.0% Lib Dem to C.

Sutton London Borough - Worcester Park: Lib Dem 1367, C 977, Lab 315, Ukip 190, Green 46. (May 2010 - Three seats Lib Dem 2739, C 2309, Lib Dem 2291, C 2287, Lib Dem 2269, C 2229, Lab 585, 542, Ukip 534, Lab 507). Lib Dem hold. Swing 5.3% C to Lib Dem.

PA