Winning in Westmorland

Liberal Democrats in Westmorland & Furness decisively won a byelection yesterday.

The byelection in Eamont & Shap ward was caused by Lib Dem Councillor Neil Hughes stepping down for health reasons. 

Neil was elected to the new Westmorland and Furness Council in 2022, having previously served on Eden District Council and Cumbria County Council - notching up 21 years service as a councillor locally.

Lib Dem candidate Nicki Vecqueray won the byelection with more than two thirds of the vote:

Liberal Democrats: 789 [67.2%, +1.5%]
Conservative: 241 [20.5%, -13.8%]
PCF: 76 [6.5%, new]
Green Party: 68 [5.8%, new]

This means the council remains on 37 Lib Dem councillors out of 65.

Congratulations to Nicki and the team, and thanks to everyone who gave her their support.