Lib Dem Landslide in Key Ashfield By-Election

1.54.13am GMT Fri 23rd Mar 2007

Lib Dem President Simon Hughes MP helped Ashfield candidate Jason Zadrozny win his council seat in last night's by-election

The Liberal Democrats have swept to victory in the Sutton North County Council by-election tonight. The Sutton North seat had traditionally been safe Labour, however Labour's grip on the seat was smashed as the Lib Dem candidate Jason Zadrozny romped home with 1979 votes whilst Labour took just 435.

Jason Zadrozny said "The political map of Ashfield has been torn up tonight. No longer can Labour assume that they can take places like Sutton-in-Ashfield for granted.

"We fought and won this campaign by working for and with the people of Sutton all year round.

"Labour were roundly rejected because they have neglected the people of Sutton. They have taken our area for granted.

"People tell me they are fed up with Labour's Council tax rises. Fed up because they can't see what they get for back for the tax they pay. Charges for services like care for the elderly have rocketed. Graffiti and vandalism litter our area.

"People have seen through the spin of Blair, Brown and Hoon they will not be fooled by a Chancellor who gives with one hand and takes with the other.

"Tonight the people of Sutton have spoken. There is now a credible challenger to Labour in Ashfield and that is the Liberal Democrats. In the District Council elections in May people right across Ashfield will have the chance to follow the lead of the people of Sutton North and kick out a failing and arrogant Labour party."

Notes to Editors

The result of the Sutton North County Council by election was as follows;

Jason Zadrozny Liberal Democrat 1979 73.1%

Michael Parker Labour 435 16.1%

Peter Thorpe Conservative 222 8.2%

Peter Foulkes UKIP 70 2.6%

This was a 44% swing

Result in 2005

Labour 2105 44.8%

Conservative 1118 23.8%

Liberal Democrat 654 13.9%

Independent 598 12.7%

Green 223 4.8%