Lib Dems win Eastleigh by-election with Tories coming in third

The Liberal Democrats won the majority votes, with UKIP following in behind

12:10 01 March 2013

It’s good news for the Lib Dems after Thursday’s Eastleigh by-election, as they came in first place with Mike Thornton taking 13,342 votes. PM David Cameron’s Tory party didn’t manage to claim enough votes having come in third place.

The Conservatives, who saw Maria Hutchings win 10,559 votes, came in behind the UK Independence Party (UKIP), who claimed 11,571 votes.

Mr. Thornton said: “The people of Eastleigh recognise that the Liberal Democrats have always had a superb record of delivery, we've always listened to what people want, and we always make sure that we do a good job.”

And the Deputy PM has greeted the win warmly. Nick Clegg said of the result that the Liberal Democrats won at a time of “most exceptionally difficult circumstances”.

The win follows recent allegations linked with Lord Rennard which Lib Dem man Mr. Clegg reportedly denies. This comes following Chris Huhne’s resignation from his post over the case of perverting the course of justice.

 

This was in regards to the incident concerning speeding points.

Mr. Clegg said: “We held our nerve. We stood our ground... We overcame the odds with a stunning victory.”

The Tories were hoping to take the place that the Lib Dems secured this week at the by-election.

Now, the party will have to try and win a seat at Eastleigh two years from now in order to help them in the next election.

Ed Miliband’s Labour party finished fourth place on Thursday.