ELECTION: Lib Dems pull off huge win over Tories in council polls

Friday 10th December 2021

THE Liberal Democrats have pulled off a massive win over the Conservatives in a council by-election.
It was one of three Tory seats up for grabs following resignations from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.
Paul Boxall beat the Conservative into second place in West malling in a victory which reflects the Tories' poor public standing at the moment.
The Lib Dems also contributed to the Green victory in nearby Tonbridge having not put up a candidate. Kings Hill was easily won by the Tories, as expected.
Lib Dem spokesman David Naghi said: "The blue wall is starting to crumble in Kent."
The by-elections were held yesterday.

The results
West Malling and Leybourne        Votes
Paul Boxall (Lib Dem)                        776 (Elected)
David Thompson (Conservative)      624
Jordan Mahoney (Green)                   137
Robin Potter (Labour)                       29
Turnout: 27.6%

Castle ward (Tonbridge)                 Votes
Anna Cope (Green)                            731 (Elected)
Johurul Islam (Conservative)             454
Julian Wilson (Labour)                       48
Turnout 34.7%

Kings Hill ward                                 Votes
Dan Harman (Conservative)              740 (Elected)
Louis Westlake (Independent)          316
Raja Zahidi (Liberal Democrat)         191
Turnout 18.6%

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