Tories Hit for a Fourth Whammy

5.11.00pm GMT Mon 31st Jan 2005

The winning team

Local Liberal Democrats made a significant gain this week in the North Richmond Ward by-election and their local Prospective Parliamentary candidate said she felt optimistic about the future.

Susan Kramer, PPC for Richmond Park, said: "The Liberal Democrats are on a roll locally with a fourth Council by-election victory in Richmond within the last 18 months, taking three of those seats from the Tories. Celia Hodges will make an excellent councillor and the residents of North Richmond have given us a vote of confidence.

"Local people see us out on the streets working for them both at the Council and at the national level. Its what persuaded me to join the Liberal Democrats when I moved here twelve years ago. I feel very positive about the groundswell of support and the warm reception we found on the doorstep.

" Local voters defied the cold and rain to make their mark and their message should be heard loud and clear.

"Issues like the high levels of Council Tax, not taking the environment seriously and the lack of Tory credibility nationally are taking a toll on Tory support."