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While all eyes were on the three parliamentary by-elections last night in Rotherham, Middlesborough and Croydon. A small piece of history was being made in William Shakespeare’s home town of Stratford upon Avon.
Labour candidate Jeff Kenner and his team had won a stunning victory in Stratford-on-Avon, taking the safe Tory seat of Shipston-On-Stour after a by-election which took place yesterday (Thursday 29th November).
After polling at the Sheldon Bosley Hub in Pittway Avenue, Jeff Kenner beat his Tory and Lib Dem rivals gaining an incredible 613 votes.
Laura Elizabeth Nelson (Liberal Democrat) came second with 575 votes and Marion Lowe (Conservative) came in third with 431 votes on a 40% turnout.
The last Labour representative on the council was Carol Pratt, who held a seat in Southam between 2002-2004.
The result is an excellent springboard for the County Council elections in Warwickshire in May 2013, Labour could yet win power.
This victory highlights once again what can be done even in the most Conservative of towns, if you have a credible candidate and a dedicated campaign team.