Lib Dems GAIN Hythe West District and Town Seats from Conservatives

The Liberal Democrats have taken both the Hythe West District and two Hythe West Town Council seats in by-elections gains from the Conservatives. Victorious new Councillors Neil Matthews, Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews took the seats vacated following the long awaiting departure of Conservative Councillors Linda and John Oliver, who moved to Somerset in late 2007.

The result of the Hythe West District by-election was:

Lib Dem [Neil Matthews] 589

Conservative 483

UKIP 255

BNP 94

Shepway Independent 65

The result of the Hythe West Town Council by-elections (2 vacancies):

Lib Dem [Darren Briddock] 618

Lib Dem [Sam Matthews] 597

Conservative 473

Conservative 403

UKIP 335

BNP 136

Neil Matthews becomes the sixth member of the Lib Dem group on Shepway District Council, and Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews will form a new Lib Dem group on Hythe Town Council.