South Staffordshire re-run Election

3.34.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 24th Jun 2005

Dr. Jo Crotty and the Liberal Democrats increased their share of the vote in yesterday's General Election from 11.6% to 13.8%. Sir Patrick Cormack held the seat, Labour's share of the vote almost halved. Dr. Crotty congratulated Sir Patrick by saying "I congratulate Sir Patrick on his re-election and wish him well over the coming Parliament. Sir Patrick is incredibly popular locally as can be seen in this result. It was a victory for Sir Patrick but not for the Conservatives who were not mentioned on the literature, it was also a disastrous result for Labour losing half their vote share." On her own result Dr. Crotty said "I am delighted to have increased the share of the vote for the Liberal Democrats and have enjoyed the campaign although it came about in such sad circumstances." Commenting on the result, Liberal Democrat chief executive Lord Rennard

said: "Liberal Democrats are pleased to have increased our share of the vote. Labour's vote has fallen considerably. Once again it is clear that disillusioned former Labour voters are turning to the Liberal Democrats and not to the Conservatives."