Liberal Democrats almost win in Stafford from third place!

4.49.43pm GMT Fri 4th Feb 2005

Stone Liberal Democrats are celebrating resounding successes in coming within inches of toppling the Tories in the St. Michael's ward by-elections yesterday. Richard Stevens and Derek Boult both leapt into second place - Richard was only 55 votes adrift in the Borough Council election and Derek was only 36 votes behind in the Town Council election.

After the count, Richard said "This has been a superb achievement. We campaigned on strong and positive issues and had fantastic support from our members and supporters. It is an appalling result for Labour. I have the greatest respect for their candidate Harry Brunt who has dedicated his life to public service here in Stone but tonight's result clearly shows that that Labour has lost all credibility with the electorate."

Richard believes that the result will be a tremendous boost to Liberal Democrats across the area in the run up to the County Council elections ( and possibly the General Election) in May.

Richard and Derek would like to thank everyone who helped in this campaign and who voted for them

The Results:

Stafford Borough Council

Geoff Collier (Conservative) 368

Richard Stevens(Liberal Democrat) 313

Harry Brunt (Labour) 252

Haswell (Father 4 Justice) 22

Stone Town Council

Phillip Jones (Conservative) 378

Derek Boult (Liberal Democrat) 342

Phillip Lear (Labour) 210

Haswell (Fathers 4 Justice) 27