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Labour MP's former council seat gained by Medway Tories in by-election

By Jonathan Isaby

Picture 1 I am only aware of one council by-election having taken place this week, in River ward in Medway.

I highlighted the contest last week on ConHome as it arose from the resignation from Medway Council of Bill Esterson, a newly-elected Labour MP on Merseyside.

As the Britain Votes blog highlights, the Labour campaign attracted a visit from leadership contender Ed Miliband, whilst the Labour supporting Musings from Medway blog described the contest as "a referendum on the Conservative Council and our current coalition government".

So it is great to report that the Conservative candidate, David Craggs (pictured), has gained the seat. He lives in the ward and is a local headteacher who also serves as a Special Constable in North Kent and trains Army cadets.

The full result was:

River ward, Medway
Conservative - 617 (45%, +5)
Labour - 544 (39%, no change)
Lib Dems - 104 (8%, no change)
Green - 45 (3%, +3)
BNP - 39 (3%, +3)
Eng Dem - 33 (2%, +2)
Con Gain from Lab

8am update: Here's the first picture of the now Councillor Craggs with his ward colleague and election agent, Craig Mackinlay:

Picture 2

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