It's never nice to lose - but really well done to Tunbridge Wells Lib Dems!
15 Jun 2012
Polling in the Tunbridge Wells East Division by-election to Kent County Council (caused by the sad death of Kevin Lynes) took place yesterday. The Lib Dems came within 150 votes of snatching the seat from the Conservatives - a remarkable result, and one that offers a real hope to taking the seat in 2013.
- Tory majority in 2009: 840
- Tory nominal majority in May 2012 (based on election results for wards within the division)
- Tory majority June 2012: 149
Lib Dem Folkestone West County Councillor Tim Prater said:
"The team led by David Neve and agent Ben Chapelard have done an excellent job in slashing the Conservative majority. It always hurts to lose, but they've done a really great job, and I'd back them to complete the job in May 2013!"
The full result:
| Election Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 James Tansley | Conservative | 1171 | 32% | Elected |
 Councillor David Neve | Liberal Democrats | 1022 | 28% | Not elected |
 Christopher Pierce David Hoare | UK Independence Party | 1000 | 28% | Not elected |
 Ian Patrick Carvell | Labour | 321 | 9% | Not elected |
 Hazel Frances Dawe | Green Party | 109 | 3% | Not elected |
| Turnout | 27% |