Huge swing to Lib Dems in St Helier by-election

Sutton Liberal Democrats achieved a huge swing in the St Helier West by-election - in a sign that the party is on course to winning in the General Election later this year. 

The by-election was called following the resignation of Labour councillor, Sheila Berry.

But with the huge unpopularity in the area of Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan and the London elections happening on the same day, the Conservatives, who hold the other two seats in the ward, were widely tipped to win. 

A strong campaign by Noor and the Liberal Democrat team - focused on the future of St Helier Hospital and taking action in the community on fly tipping and more - saw the Lib Dems leapfrog Labour into second place and come within just six votes of winning. 

The surge in support confirms that only the Liberal Democrats can challenge the Conservatives in Carshalton and Wallington. 

Lib Dem candidate Noor Sumun, said:

"Thank you to everyone who supported me in this campaign - to my team and the residents who backed me.

"We didn't quite make it but we got a lot done for the community during the campaign and I know the Lib Dem team will continue to work hard for residents."

Councillor Bobby Dean, also running to be the Lib Dem MP for Carshalton & Wallington, added:

"I'm really sorry that Noor didn't quite make it. He worked so hard in the community and really deserved more.

"The Conservatives won big in St Helier in the last general election, so running them so close in this key area is an excellent sign for the Lib Dems ahead of the General Election later this year. 

"Meanwhile, the Labour Party collapsed into third. This proves that only the Liberal Democrats can challenge the Conservatives in Carshalton and Wallington. It's going to be a close race right to the end."