Lib Dems and Tories gain as Labour vote slips

The Tories and Liberal Democrats scored landslide council by-election victories as Labour's vote showed signs of slipping.

Lib Dem Keith Longdon came from third place to win at Eastwood South, Broxtowe Borough, Nottinghamshire.

The resounding Labour defeat comes in a ward in the Ashfield constituency where former Cabinet minister Geoff Hoon is standing down.

Lib Dem Colin Saunderson also won a marginal Tory seat at Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire District.

But it was the Conservatives' turn to triumph at Mid Devon District where candidate Derek Coren achieved a swing against the Lib Dems of more than 25 per cent.

Labour's vote share slipped in three wards which it fought both times.

But there may be better news for the party later today at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, where counting is under way for two district seats and a key contest at Mansfield South county division.

RESULT

Bracknell Forest Borough - Owlsmoor: C 508, Lib Dem 238, Lab 126, Green 66. (May 2007 - Two seats C 754, 716, Ind 347, Ukip 245). C hold.

Broxtowe Borough - Eastwood South: Lib Dem 985, Lab 484, C 387. (May 2007 - Three seats Lab 933, 825, 779, C 520, Lib Dem 467, C 455, 455, Lib Dem 448, 401, BNP 400, BNP 375, No description 127). Lib Dem gain from Lab. Swing 22.4 per cent Lab to Lib Dem.

Huntingdonshire District - Fenstanton: Lib Dem 391, C 337, Lab 37. (May 2007 - C 442, Lib Dem 430, Lab 45). Lib Dem gain from C. Swing 4.1 per cent C to Lib Dem.

Mansfield District - Portland: Counting today. (May 2007 - Two seats Mansfield Ind Forum 605, 490, Lab 467, 431).

Mansfield District - Sherwood: Counting today. (May 2007 - Two seats Mansfield Ind Forum 708, 681, Lab 435, 406).

Nottinghamshire County - Mansfield South: Counting today. (June 2009 - Two seats Ind 2043, 1960, C 1791, 1483, Lab 1259, 1187, Lib Dem 698, 610, Eng Dem 487).

Mid Devon District - Yeo: C 714, Lib Dem 489. (May 2007 - Two seats Lib Dem 804, 723, C 396). C gain from Lib Dem. Swing 25.3 per cent Lib Dem to C.

South Tyneside Borough - Primrose: Lab 854, BNP 566, Ind 213, Ind 174, C 124, Lib Dem 100. (May 2008 - Lab 1005, BNP 681, C 382). Lab hold. Swing 0.8 per cent Lab to BNP.