Lib Dem Carl Mayhew Wins Mile Cross By-election

3.26.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Jul 2006

Carl ends Labour Honeymoon in Norwich

On a hot summer day with searing temperatures throughout the day I think I had the easy job in yesterday's by-election; I was running the nice, cool committee room sheltered from the sun. But if the day was hot, the result was explosive. By winning in Mile Cross, Carl Mayhew ended Labour's honeymoon period in Norwich in a ward also represented by the recently appointed Labour Council Leader.

Technically, this election was a hold. But politically it feels more like a gain. Vic Elvin, the Liberal Democrat Cllr whose sad death caused this by-election, was the only Lib Dem to have had success in Mile Cross until now. He was a very highly respected representative of his community, with a strong personal vote. In May, one of the seats was contested in the ward which saw Labour win by 149 votes over Carl. This time, Carl overtook Labour, making himself another Lib Dem to have found electoral success.

I know how committed Carl is to do his best for the area, and to continue Vic's work in Mile Cross. He campaigned hard in the election and he deserved to win.

The result was:

Green: 115 (6.7%)

Labour: 702 (41%)

Conservative: 106 (6.2%)

Carl Mayhew, Liberal Democrat: 789 (46.1%)

The turnout was 24.4%