Lib Dem Landslide in Lovelace by-election

Liberal Democrat Colin Cross stormed to victory in Thursday's by-election for Lovelace ward that includes Ripley, Wisley and Ockham.

Lovelace is usually one of the safest Conservative wards in Guildford Borough Council, it had not been held by a Lib Dem Councillor since the re-organisation of Guildford Borough in 1974.

Full result

Colin Cross (Lib Dem) 555

Ben Paton (Conservative) 225

David Sheppard (UKIP) 63

Robin Woof (Labour) 32

Colin Cross said:

"I honestly can't thank everyone enough for all the efforts they put in to the campaign, and thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to joining the Lib Dem team on the Council, where I will continue to work hard for the residents of Ripley, Ockham and Wisley."

Lib Dem Group Leader on Woking Borough Council, Councillor Will Forster added:

"It's an astounding result for Colin Cross and the local Lib Dems. The result clearly shows just how unhappy local residents are with the behaviour of the Conservatives who seem intent on sacrificing our Green Belt and concreting over much of the Surrey countryside."

"Following this by-election win, focus will now switch to Woking Borough Council's plans to build at least 500 homes in the Green Belt in Woking Borough. Just like Colin Cross and the Lib Dems in Ripley, the local Lib Dems in Woking are leading the fight against Tory plans to undermine the Green Belt in Brookwood, Byfleet, Mayford, Hook Heath, Pyrford and West Byfleet."