LibDems top poll of real votes in real ballot boxes

6.34.30pm GMT Sun 14th Jan 2007

Ming Campbell in Dunfermline & West Fife, where LibDem candidate Willie Rennie scored a stunning victory to become the new MP back in February 2006

The Liberal Democrats won more votes than any other party in the three parliamentary by-elections that took place in 2006 - and was the only one of the three main parties to increase its popularity.

At the three Commons by-elections last year, the Liberal Democrats took the Scottish seat of Dunfermline & West Fife from Labour, in February; in the other two contests, both held in June, Liberal Democrat candidate Ben Abbotts came within a whisker of taking the London seat of Bromley & Chislehurst by slashing the Conservative majority from over 13,000 to just 633, and the Welsh seat of Blaenau Gwent was held by an independent candidate.

Overall, the LibDems won 27% of all the votes cast in the parliamentary by-elections, which is up 11% on their showing in those same seats at the 2005 General Election. Labour won 25% - down nine per cent. The Conservatives came last out of the three main parties with just 17% of the votes cast - down four per cent.

Commenting on the figures, Chair of the local LibDems Jo Hayes said:

"Where voters have had the chance to select who should represent them in the House of Commons they have chosen Liberal Democrat candidates over all others. These are real votes in real ballot boxes.

"With credibility on the environment, a renewed focus on cutting crime, and a track record of honesty on Iraq, it is the Liberal Democrats that are attracting more and more support."