We should have a few more local council results later today but another headache for Jacqui Smith this morning. The Tories won two by-elections in her Redditch seat yesterday:
- Batchley – Redditch DC (Redditch) – Con gain from Lab. Con vote 39% +1%, Lab 33% -10%, LD 8% -10%, Ind 2%, BNP 19% from nowhere.
- Arrow Valley East – Worcestershire CC (Redditch) – Con gain from Lab. Con vote 42% +11%, Lab 31% -17%, LD 13% -8%, Ind 3%.
How long until the excellent Karen Lumley is that seat's new MP?
More worryingly the BNP got 11% from nowhere in the Arrow Valley by-election.
