Lib Dem victory crushes BNP ahead of Lawrence anniversary
February 23, 2009 11:02 AM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP
Sarah with Liberal Democrat Councillor Duwayne Brooks.
The Liberal Democrats have swept to victory in a council by-election in Lewisham. They won 42% of the vote, well ahead of the Conservatives and Labour both at 25% of the vote, and with the BNP vote halving to only 6% compared to the 13% they scored in the ward in the London elections in 2008.
One of the party's successful candidates elected as a councillor was Duwayne Brooks, was with his friend Stephen Lawrence when he was murdered by racist thugs a decade ago. The election comes on the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry which found institutional racism in the Metropolitan police after a hopelessly inadequate police enquiry. The other successful candidate was Jenni Clutten, who was elected a few days short of her 21st birthday.
London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:
"This stunning and timely result on the 10th anniversary of the Lawrence inquiry report shows that with popular, hardworking and capable Liberal Democrat candidates, the BNP can be routed. Rather than be dazzled by their threat or talk up their chances, the successful response is to deploy traditional Liberal Democrat strengths. "
"Congratulations are due to Cllr Clutten and Cllr Brooks whose triumph continues the excellent record of success for Liberal Democrats. In London by-elections in the last six months, Liberal Democrats have scored 30% of votes compared to Tories on 33% and ahead of Labour on 27%.This bodes well for LibDem success in getting 2 London MEPs in the European elections in June."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats