Lib Dems cruise to victory in Ormesby Ward

Redcar and Cleveland Liberal Democrats are celebrating their fourth by-election win in Redcar constituency in just over twelve months.

Candidate Ann Wilson cruised to victory in the Ormesby Ward By-Election with a majority over Labour of 874. The result was as follows:

Ann Wilson (Lib Dem)..1084 (73.5%; +12.4%)
Steven Goldswain (Lab).210 (14.2%; -5.1%)
Martin Bulmer (UKIP)...103 (7.0%; +7.0%)
Colin Jones (Con).......77 (5.2%; -14.4%)

Majority 874
Turnout 29.55%

Lib Dem hold

The by-election was held due to the resignation of long serving Lib Dem Councillor Eric Empson and was the sixth in just over twelve months in Redcar constituency. The Lib Dems have taken three from Labour and held one. Labour have held two.

Ann Wilson, who lives in the ward, said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of highly respected Councillor Eric Empson. I will do my best to repay the confidence people have placed in me and I look forward to representing the views all residents of Ormesby Ward regardless of their political affiliation.”

Lib Dem Prospective MP Ian Swales said: “The result is a massive boost for the Liberal Democrats in Redcar constituency and is most encouraging for the coming General Election campaign.”

Ormesby Ward Councillors Glyn and Irene Nightingale said: "We are delighted that the residents of Ormesby and Nunthorpe continue to have confidence in the Liberal Democrats."

The composition of the Council is now:

Labour - 25
Liberal Democrats - 16
Conservative - 11
Independents supporting Labour - 4
Independents – 3

In Redcar constituency Liberal Democrats now hold 16 seats, to Labour’s 16 and the Tories 3.