Liberal Democrats Crush Labour and the Tories in Didsbury West By-Election

1.42.00am GMT Fri 30th Jan 2009

John Leech MP with Didsbury West's 3 Lib Dem Councillors, Including By-Election Winner Cllr Lianne Williams

Manchester Withington Liberal Democrats are celebrating a stunning win and a swing of 3.3% from Labour in the Didsbury West by-election. New Liberal Democrat Councillor Lianne Williams polled 1,439 votes (55.6%) and won with an increased majority of 801 over Labour. There was also a 6% swing from the Tories, who suffered a disastrous result, polling only 13%.

The same swing at a General Election would see Manchester Withington Lib Dem MP John Leech re-elected with a majority of over 3100, all 6 North West Lib Dem MPs re-elected, and 33 seats gained nationally. North West seats such as nearby Manchester Gorton, Oldham East and Saddleworth, and Liverpool Wavertree would be highly marginal.

Councillor Lianne Williams dedicated her victory to her friend and former Didsbury West Councillor, the late Neil Trafford, who died in a car accident in November. She also said:

"I want to thank the people of Didsbury and Didsbury West for placing their faith in me and the Liberal Democrats. This is a vote of confidence in John Leech MP and shows that Labour have a mountain to climb to re-connect with people in South Manchester."

Local MP John Leech added:

"This is a great result for the Liberal Democrats in Manchester, and bodes well for the party in the North West at the next General Election. Lianne was a first-class candidate and will be a first-class Councillor. I look forward to campaigning with her in the future."

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