Title

BNP leader Nick Griffin's live TV debate has failed to generate electoral gains. Labour defended overall control of its traditional Barnsley MBC stronghold, repulsing the BNP in a key by-election. There was a 10.4% swing since last year at St Helens ward. This follows a similar landslide against the far right at Three Rivers DC in September. Turnout rose in both contests suggesting that Labour's dejected supporters can still be galvanised to vote if faced with a BNP challenge. The other 37 by-elections in October saw only three seats change hands between the three major parties. Labour gained from the Liberal Democrats at Northgate, Crawley BC but lost to them at Heath Hayes and Wimblebury, Cannock Chase DC. The Lib Dems also won from the Tories at Droitwich South West, Wychavon DC. However the Lib Dems boosted their score by taking three further seats from independents at Wroxham, Broadland DC; Penrith West, Eden DC and Walsingham, North Norfolk DC. Labour took a former independent seat at Doon Valley, East Ayrshire Council while the Tories had an unopposed gain from independents at Sibsey, East Lindsey DC. The Lib Dems crowned their advance by winning the Bedford mayoral by-election caused by the death of independent Frank Branston. Overall the voting figure showed little change between the parties with the Tories still holding a double figure lead over Labour after the Commons recess and party conferences – with barely seven months to go before a General Election must be held.

Title

WHITEHALL

No BNP gains as parties hold ground in by-elections

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