Lib Dems triumph against Tories
LIBERAL Democrats triumphed against Tories in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, making their second council by-election gain in the borough since November 15 and their ninth nationwide.
Candidate Val Rodgers won at Bilton on a big swing.
The result will be an encouragement for the party ahead of county council polls barely four months away - although it may have some losses as the seats up next year were last fought in 2009 during the Labour government’s mid-term doldrums.
RESULT:
Harrogate Borough - Bilton: Lib Dem 623, C 395, Lab 208, Ukip 127. (May 2011 - C 976, Lib Dem 801, Lab 376). Lib Dem gain from C. Swing 12.4% C to Lib Dem.