The People win in River

The result of yesterday’s by-election in River Ward was as follows:

Anthony Cook – UK Independence Party – 42 votes
Garry Harrison – Liberal Democrat – 92 votes
John Jones – Labour – 695 votes
Steven Keevil – The Green Party – 36 votes
Andrew Mackness – Conservative 631 votes
Ron Sands – English Democrats – 31 votes

Turnout was 25.7%. Swing Conservative to Labour 4.9%.

On winning Cllr John Jones

"I am grateful to residents giving me their support after this amicable election. I have heard the real challenges that residents across the ward face, some of their frustrations about current council processes and some of their aspirations for the future.

I will do everything I can as their community champion to fight hard to ensure improvements are made and potential problems are challenged at all levels."

Cllr Vince Maple, Labour Election Agent said

"This victory sends several messages across Medway - firstly people have fear of what devastating impacts the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government will have.

People also are pleased with the selection of new Labour Leader Ed Miliband who visited River Ward and finally River residents also made it clear they want a reliable community champion fighing their corner, I know John will take on this role with his trademark energy, thought and passion."

Cllr Jones Jones spoke to Musings from Medway after winning saying

"I will work for all those who voted for me and those that did not and attempt to build bridges and work for the community in which I live.

This is a fantastic result for the hard pressed middle class family who felt today that the Conservatives have let them down, and targeted them with regressive taxes, increase in train fares and cuts to police and schools.

I can now stand up and fight for services and not support a government which is destroying the fabric of society here in Medway and undermining investment in Universities, schools, hospitals and the Police.'

This blogger believes the result is a referendum on the current government. It shows the result of the Comprehensive Spending Review in a key Kent marginal seat.

This is also of course a slap in the face to the River Ward Conservatives and the agent who comes out of this process weakened immeasurably.

We look forward to next May where the people will once again make a judgement on this useless Conservative administration