Higginson celebrates
LIBERAL Democrat Simon Higginson swept to victory polling almost double the Tory votes when Ely South and West voters went to the polls on Thursday. Simon gained 1140 votes compared with the Conservatives 583 to hold onto the county council seat for his
LIBERAL Democrat Simon Higginson swept to victory polling almost double the Tory votes when Ely South and West voters went to the polls on Thursday.
Simon gained 1140 votes compared with the Conservatives' 583 to hold onto the county council seat for his party.
The result represents an 8.5 per cent swing to the Liberal Democrats at a time when they are struggling nationally following revelations that their former leader Charles Kennedy has a drink problem and the resignation of home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten over a rent boy scandal.
Simon, who won 60 per cent of the vote, said: "Ely residents were invited by the Tories to treat this by-election as a referendum on David Cameron. They have shown no enthusiasm for his new ideology and leadership.
"This result is a clear endorsement of the Lib Dem campaign for improved bus services and the many other services Ely residents need and deserve.
"I will use my time as councillor to continue the fight for a fair deal for Ely."
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Simon has been a member of East Cambridgeshire District Council for 12 years where he is currently leader. He lives in Ely and his job involves training software engineers
The by-election for the county council seat was called following the resignation of Liberal Democrat, Linda Crossley, because of work commitments.
It was contested by Conservative Roderick Mair, Labour candidate, Fiona Ross, who polled 72 votes, and Andrew Allen, who polled 105 votes for the Green Party. The turnout was 32 per cent.
