Lib Dems gain seat in Barwell by-election

Local Lib Dems are celebrating victory in Thursday's Barwell by-election.

The election in the Barwell St Mary's Parish Ward was caused following the resignation of the sitting Labour Councillor after only 8 weeks.

Lib Dem candidate Shani Smith took the seat with 207 votes to Labour's 172.

New Parish Councillor Shani Smith said "I'm honoured to be elected to serve people in Barwell and to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues on Barwell Parish Council. I'm glad local people supported our campaigns to keep a Library in Barwell and for the County Council to improve the grass cutting service."

Responding to the news Michael Mullaney Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Hinckley and Bosworth said "This is great news for the local Lib Dems. It is a real sign of the Lib Dem fightback taking place locally. Nationally thousands of people have joined the Lib Dems since May and we have had many new members locally. In addition we have now gained a seat in Barwell.

"People appreciate that the Lib Dems work all year round for local people."