Stunning victory in Eastleigh

Rochdale LibDems have hailed last night's result for the Eastleigh by-election has a significant turning point. The election saw a magnificent victory for the LibDem party as the voters of Eastleigh elected Mike Thornton to be their next Member of Parliament.

In spite of trying circumstances, the LibDems proved through this result that they can win a Parliamentary seat while in Government.

Leader of the Rochdale LibDem Group Cllr Andy Kelly added, 'This is a fabulous result for the party and shows the demise of the LibDems in the national media is greatly exaggerated.The people of Eastleigh have backed the LibDems for delivering tax cuts and creating a fairer tax system, for delivering 1million apprenceships and ensuring there are opportunities for young people, and for creating a financial helping hand for our pupils who come from worse off backgrounds.'

'This result clearly shows there are parts of the country that cannot trust Labour, as they feel our current economic woes were created by the two Eds whilst they were in government.'

Leader of the LibDems Nick Clegg said, 'We held our nerve. We stood our ground. We overcame the odds with a stunning victory. We can be a party of government and still win".

Result in full as follows:

Mike Thornton (Liberal Democrat) 13,342 (32.06%, -14.48%)

Diane James (UKIP) 11,571 (27.80%, +24.20%)

Maria Hutchings (Conservative) 10,559 (25.37%, -13.96%)

John O'Farrell (Labour) 4,088 (9.82%, +0.22%)

Danny Stupple (Independent) 768 (1.85%, +1.56%)

Dr Iain Maclennan (National Health Action Party) 392 (0.94%)

Ray Hall (Beer, Baccy and Crumpet Party) 235 (0.56%)

Kevin Milburn (Christian Party) 163 (0.39%)

Howling Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party) 136 (0.33%)

Jim Duggan (Peace Party) 128 (0.31%)

David Bishop (Elvis Loves Pets) 72 (0.17%)

Michael Walters (English Democrats) 70 (0.17%, -0.30%)

Daz Procter (Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts) 62 (0.15%)

Colin Bex (Wessex Regionalist) 30 (0.07%)

ENDS