Liberal Democrats' By-Election Triumph

11.27.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th Oct 2004

The Hampton by-election last Thursday produced a remarkable 16% swing to the Liberal Democrats from the Conservatives, leading to the election of Suzette Nicholson to fill the previously Conservative held seat, formerly occupied by the late Jean Matthews. Vincent Cable MP, who campaigned for Suzette Nicholson in Hampton, said that the result was "pretty impressive" and reflected the fact that there was "an excellent local candidate but also a high level of disenchantment with the Conservative Council, the Conservatives nationally and the Labour Government. There was a 42% turnout; not bad for a local authority by-election. Despite polling being on the last day of the Conservative conference, not many voters seem to have been impressed by what they heard."

He also said that the result "gives an excellent platform for our campaign in the General Election, we expect next May. Without being complacent, it is difficult to see the Conservatives mounting an effective challenge. There is a change in mood with the Liberal Democrats being treated seriously and with respect even by those who are critical of us. I encountered quite a lot of people in Hampton who have always voted Conservative - or Labour - in the past but are now supporting us locally and nationally. My national role - producing costed, credible economic policies - is, I think, contributing to this process."