Lib Dems Gain From Conservatives In Hallow By-Election

3.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Sep 2009

Celebrating victory on The Green at Hallow are Cllr Dean Clarke (second from left) with Party President, Baroness Ross Scott, Richard Burt and local supporters, Jeff and Joyce Byatts.

Liberal Democrat candidate, Dean Clarke is the newly elected Malvern Hills District Councillor for Hallow Ward following a decisive by-election win on Thursday.

Councillor Clarke gained the seat from the Conservatives following the resignation of the previous councillor.

He is a strong opponent of the so-called 'preferred option' for 3,500 extra houses between Hallow, Broadheath and Dines Green.

"I am thrilled with the result and can't thank people enough for voting for me," said Dean. I will do all I can to serve them well and to preserve the character of our villages."

In a straight Lib Dem vs. Conservative contest, his party achieved a swing of 17% from Conservative to Liberal Democrat to take the seat.

Local parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt said the election was an important test before the next General Election, and his party had passed with flying colours. "This result is another big boost after winning more votes and more seats than the Conservatives right across West Worcestershire in the County Council elections.

If the swing was repeated in a General Election here, we would achieve a staggering majority of 13,652 votes."